THE GOVERNMENT is being called on to request an extension to the post-Brexit transition period because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Horsforth-based logistics expert Adam Johnson says seeking an extension is a “no-brainer.”
Talks between between Britain and the EU were due to have taken place on March 18 but were postponed because of the Covid-19 crisis.
Mr Johnson, director of Tudor International Freight, said: “In our opinion, leaving the EU, including its agencies, customs union and single market, was always going to damage our businesses and national prosperity. This position has now been exacerbated by the effects of the coronavirus on British industry and its companies, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s welcome aid packages notwithstanding.
“This huge damage is likely only to worsen before the year-end and quite possibly take years to repair, so requesting the extension to the transition period should now be a no-brainer.”
He stressed: “Failing to request the delay will appear inexplicable to much of the country, as no responsible voter, whether originally Remainer or Leaver, should now object to an extension. A deferred deal will be far preferable to a hasty one and less damaging than the transition period ending without agreement.”
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