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Serious conversation time.
We only have 9 days to request a Brexit transition period extension.
If we don't by 30 June, the option goes away and we will leave transition on 31 December 2020.
Why is that a problem?
Because right now we are shielded from the effects of Brexit.
We only have 9 days to request a Brexit transition period extension.
If we don't by 30 June, the option goes away and we will leave transition on 31 December 2020.
Why is that a problem?
Because right now we are shielded from the effects of Brexit.
We're out of the EU, but thanks to the transition period, we are still enjoying that slick "EU member" experience when it comes to trade, EHIC cards, driving on UK licences, being allowed to fly planes to the EU, simple pet passports, etc. etc.
It's like selling your house and furniture, but reaching an agreement with the buyer so you can keep living there for a bit even after the deal closes.
On 1 January 2021, the removals van will back up to the door. We will need a new house and replacement furniture ready by then.
On 1 January 2021, the removals van will back up to the door. We will need a new house and replacement furniture ready by then.
What else is happening?
Well, there's a pandemic raging. It has already hurt the UK economy twice as badly as the 2009 financial crash did. And that's a lagging figure, so by the time we get the next update, things will be worse still.
Well, there's a pandemic raging. It has already hurt the UK economy twice as badly as the 2009 financial crash did. And that's a lagging figure, so by the time we get the next update, things will be worse still.
Neither the UK Government nor companies have the resources to get ready for "real Brexit" at year-end.
Indeed, the Government has already run down a lot of its no-deal Brexit stockpiles. Firms have used all their spare cash trying to keep afloat after the virus wrecked trade.
Indeed, the Government has already run down a lot of its no-deal Brexit stockpiles. Firms have used all their spare cash trying to keep afloat after the virus wrecked trade.
It is impossible to be *fully* prepared for Brexit, no matter how long we have.
But it is possible to be *more* prepared if we weren't also battling the consequences of the pandemic.
It's like trying to fight a forest fire on two fronts. It's not twice as hard, but much worse.
But it is possible to be *more* prepared if we weren't also battling the consequences of the pandemic.
It's like trying to fight a forest fire on two fronts. It's not twice as hard, but much worse.
Nothing the UK Government does will reverse Brexit. We're out of the EU. They can't legislate or negotiate us back in.
So the only decision is: do we want the full Brexit experience on 1 January 2021, or will we take the prudent step of delaying it the maximum 2 years?
So the only decision is: do we want the full Brexit experience on 1 January 2021, or will we take the prudent step of delaying it the maximum 2 years?
Even the strongest critics of the Government must admit they couldn't have predicted this specific pandemic at this specific time, in advance. ("A" pandemic at some future date? Yes. This one? No.)
So it shouldn't be an embarrassment or a climb-down if they ask for an extension.
So it shouldn't be an embarrassment or a climb-down if they ask for an extension.
Instead it's a pragmatic, practical decision that serves the interests of the whole of the UK.
Leave/Remain is dead except as an abstract concept. We left, so we can't remain, and advocating leave is pushing for something that has already happened.
We are ALL stuck with Brexit!
Leave/Remain is dead except as an abstract concept. We left, so we can't remain, and advocating leave is pushing for something that has already happened.
We are ALL stuck with Brexit!
It won't make a difference, most likely, but please give the matter one last push.
Get in touch with your MP. Explain your concerns and fears. Be sure to emphasise you're not trying to stop Brexit (you can't anyway!) but only to tweak the schedule to something less destructive.
Get in touch with your MP. Explain your concerns and fears. Be sure to emphasise you're not trying to stop Brexit (you can't anyway!) but only to tweak the schedule to something less destructive.
(Added: half the problem is that Brexiters became so used to Remainers trying to "thwart Brexit" - in their eyes - that they've not yet internalised that Brexit is guaranteed. They're still pushing against a door that nobody is trying to open, because there's no way of doing so.)
