Sturgeon’s fear for Brexit switch phase
NICOLA Sturgeon has written to the Prime Minister seeking “urgent clarity” on plans for the transition after Brexit.
The First Minister said Theresa May’s plan for a two-year changeover had been “seriously undermined”.
May signalled on Monday there will be no transition deal unless the UK agrees a trading relationship with the European Union next year.
Businesses have pressed the UK Government to agree terms of transition with the EU by Christmas.
But this month, EU negotiators said talks had stalled, increasing the risk of no deal being agreed.
Sturgeon said she was “increasingly concerned by the possibility” that the negotiations may result in a no-deal scenario.
In a letter to No10, she said she welcomed the idea of a two-year transitional period as a ”sensible step”.
Sturgeon wrote: “I have been of the view for some time that in the event of Brexit, a transition period is essential in order to allow businesses and governments across the UK and beyond to manage the profound uncertainties of the Brexit process.”
She added that May’s ultimatum on agreeing a transition period had rocked the confidence of businesses.
Downing Street confirmed the letter had been received by No10.
They said: “We will respond to the letter thoroughly in due course.”