28 May 2020 | UK NEWS
Michel Barnier has replied to a letter from opposition MPs calling for an extension to the Brexit transition period.
On 15th May, the Westminster leaders of the SNP, Lib Dems, Plaid Cymru, SDLP, Green Party and Alliance Party had written to the EU’s Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, to request that in light of Covid-19, the period of transition currently ending on 31st December should be extended until a time when both side are less occupied.
In their original letter, they stated that there was “significant opposition” to the Government’s determination to stick to the current transition period among “the business community, the general public and elected representatives”.
Barnier’s response to the plea was that the European Union is “open” to a two-year Brexit delay, although this was already known.
In his letter responding to the opposition leaders, Mr Barnier wrote: “Such an extension of up to one or two years can be agreed jointly by the two parties. The European Union has always said that we remain open on this matter.
“Any extension decision has to be taken by the Joint Committee before July 1, and must be accompanied by an agreement on a financial contribution by the United Kingdom.”
Co-author of the original letter, Sir Ed Davey, stated in response to the letter: “The Prime Minister’s refusal now to even consider the possibility of an extension to the Brexit transition, as we face an unprecedented global health and economic crisis, shows he is recklessly putting his Brexit ideology before the UK’s national interest.
“It’s clear that an extension is possible and it’s high time for the Conservative Government to think again. Boris Johnson must put the national interest first and accept the need to extend the transition period. Otherwise, he threatens to pitch the country into a chaotic no-deal Brexit, at a time when the economy is already in uncharted territory and millions are worried about their jobs and futures.”
Ian Blackford, the SNP’s Westminster leader, followed with a similar tone, saying: “Time is running out. There is just a month left to agree an extension to prevent the UK crashing out with a devastating bad deal or a catastrophic no-deal.
“If the Prime Minister fails to agree an extension, he will be responsible for every job lost, every income slashed, and every business that goes under as a result of his bad Brexit deal.
The UK’s Chief Negotiator, David Frost, has responded to Barnier’s letter in a statement to the Commons Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union by reiterating: “That is the firm policy of the Government – that we will not extend the transition period and, if asked, we would not agree to it.”
Mr Barnier’s letter comes after Frost had stated that there had been “very little progress” after the third round of negotiations, which concluded on 15th May.
The talks are due to resume next week. We will bring you updates on these as they progress.
Sir
I am a supporter of Brexit for many reason, Sovereignty, Sociologically, Economic and Pragmatically.
Any extension places the UK in an invidious position of subservience and funding the EU bureaucracy, so must be avoided. Whilst a FTA would be nice WTO is as good.
The Northern EU countries like Germany, Netherlands and Austria in maintaining a surplus places the Mediterranean countries like Greece, Italy and Spain in constant deficits. Without wealth redistribution which none of the Northern countries, seem to want to do, Med countries end up having loans they can never repay. The EU solidarity is doomed highlighted by the paper pillar of free movement over covid. It is now time to leave and let the EU remain like the Unions closed shop of old which decayed.
The people of Hong Kong should be allowed to migrate to mother UK with the minimum of fuss. Unlike the French escorting migrants over the channel. This should be highlighted and demanding at the highest level recouping of returning same ot France. It is highly irregular for France to even let migrants leave France let alone escort them to English waters. Migrants should not be landed in UK ports but returned to France.
We know Mr Cummings is not liked by the media, some Tory MPs and the Civil Service. His plugging of leaks from Number 10, Brexit steadfastness and confrontation of the old norms is refreshing and dynamic. Our PM has shown he will not be pushed round even by the media storm they created. One can only support the PM as a radical thinker and solid leader and thank God that at last the Tory Party has a real leader who is steadfast and consistent.
Political Correctness is a scourge which needs cutting down to size. The fear of being called then labelled racist is erosion of freedom. The liberal elite continual support of things like sharia law, illegal migration and erosion of British culture and custom is intolerable. Sharia law is forming a substrata of legal precedent, which undermines our own. It reinforces us and them mentality and tries to impose itself on non muslims. As far back as 1973 this is clearly evident British law has be skewed whe sikhs were allowed to disregard wearing crash helmets because they wear turbans and highly protective headgear! Burqa and hijab are allowed uyet hoodies or helmets are not. So much for Britain’s controlling England. illegal Migrants are a drain on the economy and support the black market. We British are one of the most tolerant nations yet this erosion has to be stopped before England loses its identity