Covid can't wait, Brexit can - extend the Brexit transition period
The UK Government
Even before the Covid-19 crisis, the chances of a UK-EU deal looked slim. Now negotiations are suspended, yet the UK government says it doesn't want to extend the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December.
A No Deal Brexit in January 2021, combined with the already huge economic and social dislocation from the pandemic, would be disastrous for the economy, living standards and rights. We must demand the transition period is seriously extended so we can avoid this catastrophe, concentrate on dealing with the virus and then revisit the issue of Brexit.
On paper at least, the application for an extension must be made by 30 June, so this is urgent.
• This petition was initiated by Labour for a Socialist Europe, but if you agree please sign whether you are a Labour-supporter or not - and indeed, whatever your wider views on Brexit.
Petition by
To:
The UK Government
From:
[Your Name]
With the Covid-19 crisis, the chances of concluding an exit deal with the EU this year are essentially dead. Following hard on the heels of the huge economic and social dislocation caused by the pandemic, a No Deal Brexit at the start of next year would be utterly disastrous.
We therefore call on you to apply for a serious extension to the Brexit transition period so we can avoid this catastrophe and deal with the virus without this distraction.