Carlaw ‘pragmatic’ about extension to Brexit in light of coronavirus outbreak
Scottish Conservative leader Jackson Carlaw has said he is “a pragmatist” when it comes to extending the Brexit transition period due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Mr Carlaw said that, should the outbreak last longer than expected, conversations should be had to extend the December 31 deadline for the end of the transition period.
The leader said there could be a point in the future where negotiations between the UK Government and the EU would be able to go ahead, but added that it was up to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to assess when or if an extension should be requested.
The UK Government can request an extension to the process up until June 30.
Mr Carlaw said: “I’m completely a pragmatist on this.
Mr Carlaw said the governments of the world have been diverted from their legislative agendas to counter the spread of Covid-19.
The Tory leader warned against an “early statement” on the matter, adding: “The Prime Minister will come to a view as to how far we can get within the timescale that we’ve got.
“If that can be achieved, fine, but if it can’t then my view would be that the emergency requires a pragmatic response.”
According to Mr Carlaw, Downing Street still believe a deal can be struck with the European Union despite the shadow of coronavirus.
He added: “Those people who have never been comfortable for us to be leaving from the start have said that it’s absolutely impossible but I think it’s still premature to argue that there are no circumstances which an agreement could be reached.”
EU member states may also, Mr Carlaw said, be more amenable to an agreement after the outbreak is under control, because “they’ll have other things they want to focus on”.