Dear John,

We’ve done it! We have a deal with Europe.

Despite the prevaricating and the bravado, the UK has reached a deal with Europe. 

British business can breathe a sigh of relief. Thanks to the work of supporters like you, we’ve pushed decision-makers to deliver a deal, even if it does fall short of what they promised.

The government didn’t want to make concessions. They fought the process every step of the way. But you sent tens of thousands of messages to your MPs. You spread the word in your local press, you lobbied the House of Lords and you wrote to the Prime Minister. Your hard work has prevailed. 

Best for Britain are still working to understand the detail of this deal and its ramifications. Stay tuned for our full analysis of what’s been agreed and what’s left to agree.

At first glance, it seems to fall well short of the comprehensive agreement which was promised and which Britain needs, but time will tell.

One thing is for certain. This is not the end of the story. While this deal is a much-welcome start, there is so much is more to do.

We must start rebuilding our national reputation. We must strive for an ever-closer relationship with our European neighbours, to face the global challenges of COVID and the climate crisis together. And we must endeavour to see justice, truth and integrity return to politics at home.

Help us continue to pressure the government to make the right choices. Help us to continue to connect you with your representatives. As the consequences of this deal unfold on the world stage, help us make the case, loud and clear, for internationalism. 

That’s where you come in. This deal shows the government can be moved towards multilateral actions which benefit us all. From concessions on food standards, to last-ditch deals, we can make a difference. But we need your support.

If you think our work is worth continuing, please consider making a donation. As one of our most active supporters, you have been instrumental to today’s success. I would be honoured if you’d help us continue to work together.

Our brand new polling confirms a deal is what the British public needs and wants. Less than one in five supported a no deal, while two thirds of Brits wanted a deal. Of that, a third wanted to build on this deal, using it as a stepping stone to a more comprehensive agreement.

You can read our full polling here.

While a recovery-boosting deal with Europe is what this country needs, we are still stuck with a fundamentally isolationist government.

From the law-breaking Internal Market Bill, ending talks early and refusing to ask for an extension in the middle of a pandemic, the Prime Minister has proved incapable of good-willed diplomacy.

The fallout from this year goes beyond deal or no deal. The government has shown itself to be irresponsible on the world stage. European leaders are taking notes, as is President-elect Joe Biden. 

We must co-operate on security; on health, by tackling COVID as a continent; and on education, by rejoining Erasmus. We can only go so far alone.

Please, if you are able, donate to Best for Britain. We rely on small donations from our many dedicated supporters. Anything you are able to give will go towards scrutinising the new trade deal, compelling this government to work with Europe, and working to revitalise democracy in the UK.

I want to build on your hard work, and build on this important milestone. 

We will continue to lead on the scrutiny of this deal, and demonstrate why the British public wants and deserves an ever closer relationship with Europe.

The deal with Europe is crucial. We’ve been campaigning for one since the UK left the EU nearly the year ago. This day is undoubtedly a victory, and it’s down to your commitment.

But this deal is hardly a panacea. There remains much to do, not least in scrutinising today’s deal and pushing for a better kind of politics at home.

And that’s just what we’re doing now. I hope you’ll help us.

Best wishes,

Naomi Smith, 
CEO, Best for Britain