EU can’t get Brexit done in the middle of this crisis
Whitford fears new blow to economy
The SNP has demanded Boris Johnson “hits pause” on Brexit and focus on tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
The party’ s B rex it spokeswoman, Phi lippa Whitford MP, has called on the Prime Minister to immediately seek an extension to the UK’s transition period.
It would allow Britain to continue as a de facto member of the EU beyond the end of the year, securing vital trade agreements at a time when the country could still be grappling with economic fallout from Covid-19.
The call follows reports that the next round of planned Brex it negotiations have stalled as the UK Government has been unable to table proposals for both sides to work on.
Whitford said: “The outbreak has gripped us all, regardless of politics or borders, and it is vital governments here in the UK and abroad work collaboratively to combat the pandemic.
“Businesses, individuals and households across the UK are already under intense pressure and financial strain in dealing with the crisis – with many losing their incomes and a number of businesses facing an uncertain future.
“It is impossible for businesses to prepare for life outside the EU while coping with the impact of the Covid-19 crisis and many might struggle to survive the second blow of a hard Brexit at the end of this year.
“Continuing talks and hurtling to the transition period deadline would be irresponsible and an act of economic and social self-harm.
“It is now vital that the UK Government hits pause on all Brexit negotiations and immedi at ely seek s an extension to the transition per iod to remove the uncertainty and instability.
“The Scottish Government made the difficult decision to pause work on preparing for an independence referendum this year. The UK Government must now mirror that step so we can focus on protecting our citizens and delivering financial support to everyone.”
A Brexit meeting between the EU and UK is scheduled to go ahead as planned next week despite the coronavirus crisis which has left much of Europe in lockdown.
Cabinet Off ice minister Michael Gove has said he will meet EU officials via video link.
The UK and EU’s chief negotiators, David Frost and Michel Ba rnier a re in self- isolation after testing positive for coronavirus.
Downing Street has insisted there will be “no change” to its timetable.
Under the terms of its withdrawal agreement, the UK has until the end of the year to reach a deal.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned it’ll be “impossible” to reach a comprehensive deal within that timescale. Last month, Gove threatened to walk away from talks in the summer if a “broad outline” couldn’t be decided on.
The UK officially left the EU on January 30, after the Tories’ general election win.
The party’s landslide ended three years of deadlock in the Commons dur ing which parties failed to agree on a way forward to implement the 2016 referendum which saw 52 per cent voter to leave the EU.