Self Destruct Negotiations

Brexit took place on the 31st January 2020

Whatever your views on Brexit and the EU, to be deliberately heading for a "No Deal" arrangement is detrimental to all but a very few with vested interests. To not negotiate a deal leaves us exposed to the vagaries of USA and China, and yet losing so many benefits from a relationship with the EU; for example - trade, joint working over security, and pressure against human rights infringements.

At present the UK is in a transition period, we have left the EU, but under the Withdrawal Agreement previous arrangements are still in place while the fine details are sorted out and the future relationship is agreed.

However thinking any negotiations can be achieved before the end of June, in the middle of a pandemic, is ridiculous. Civil servants are taken away from dealing with the public health crisis to work on the necessities of Brexit, including a no deal.

It doesn't make sense, a longer transition period could very easily be requested. This won't stop Brexit, Brexit has already legally happened, however it would allow the government to focus on the health of the country as well as giving businesses time to get ready for the changes and our economy to readjust.

Refusing to request an extension of the transition period shows the government's priorities are not to support citizens and the country.