Devolved powers call for talks extension

The first ministers of Scotland and Wales have called for an extension to the Brexit transition period.

In a letter to the prime minister, Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford said “fundamental issues” still remain between the UK and EU negotiators.

The Scottish Government has repeatedly called for the transition period to be extended beyond the December 31 deadline, but that can only be done if a request is made before the end of this month.

Ms Sturgeon and Mr Drakeford warned in their letter that exiting the transition period at the end of this year would be “extraordinarily reckless”.

They wrote: “No one could reproach the UK Government for changing its position in the light of the wholly unforeseeable Covid-19 crisis.

“We therefore call on you to take the final opportunity in the next few weeks provided to ask for an extension to the transition period, in order to provide a breathing space to complete the negotiations, to implement the outcome, and the opportunity for our businesses to find their feet after the enormous disruption of recent months.”

The letter claimed that, at best, there would only be a “bare bones” trade deal in place by December, or a move to a no deal exit from the EU.

But in a tweet yesterday, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said he has officially given notice to EU negotiators that the UK Government will not request an extension to the transition period.

Mr Gove said: “I formally confirmed the UK will not extend the transition period & the moment for extension has now passed. On 1 January 2021 we will take back control and regain our political & economic independence.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.