Dear John,

It’s time to stop the clock.

The mismanagement of COVID and the mismanagement of Brexit have coalesced into a one of the bleakest midwinters in memory.

Our leaders (in their infinite wisdom) forfeited the UK’s rights to an extension in June.

But an extension is still possible. The UK can agree an extension with the EU or as part of a phased deal implementation.

Whatever the mechanism (and whether it's called extension, an implementation period or a deferment), we need extra time. 

Preparation for businesses is near impossible. Panic buying continues, and fears about medicines and food delivery remain.

Sign the petition calling for the UK to extend the Brexit transition period, and avoid a compounding crisis. There are just 8 days left until the end of the transition period. Sign now.

While the EU has urged European countries to reopen their borders to the UK, there remain thousands of trucks stranded in Kent. Manston airport has become a vast lorry park. And more and more freight vehicles are arriving every hour, expecting the government to sort it out soon.

Freight experts at the Road Haulage Association have criticised Boris Johnson’s attempts to dismiss disruption at the border. Head of policy, David Buchanan, described the situation as something “like we have probably never experienced”.

Shops say they can just about last until Christmas, but after then, who knows? To add a no deal or thin deal Brexit to this situation would be shockingly reckless, even for this government.

Act now, and call on the government to request an extension from the EU. Sign the petition, and share it with your friends and followers. Let’s stop the clock, and give both sides the chance to reach a comprehensive deal.

Despite rumours circling, there is no deal with Europe yet.

There still remains a serious deadlock over fishing. The EU has stated they will keep their doors open, and keep negotiating past the arbitrary deadline of December 31.  

It is in the interest of all that our government should join them in this commitment. And they should request an extension immediately.

Best wishes,

Cary Mitchell,
Director of Operations, Best for Britain