Many thanks to those who have contacted me about the Brexit transition period.
In a written statement to the House of Commons, Michael Gove MP, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office confirmed that during the second meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee on 12 June it was reemphasised that the UK would not be extending the transition period beyond the end of 2020, as legally committed to by both parties as part of this transition period.
I supported this decision. Further delay will do political damage to our country, and exacerbate the economic damage of coronavirus. I do not feel that the pandemic justifies breaking the principal commitment in the manifesto the Government was elected on in 2019. We saw from the burst of investment and business confidence that followed the General Election in December 2019 how the resolution of uncertainty over Brexit is a powerful stimulus to prosperity.
Delivering on the promise of securing an agreement for the future relationship between the UK and EU should not come at an additional cost to the economy or to local businesses. As you will be aware, the Government has made available an unprecedented package of measures throughout the coronavirus outbreak and remains committed to supporting individuals, keeping them connected to the labour market and giving local businesses a lifeline during the uncertain financial times that lie ahead.
