EU have been deliberately awkward

Editor,

Over the last few months I have noticed letters suggesting that because of the Covid 19 pandemic the Government should seek an extension to the Brexit transition period, based upon information from Best for Britain and the Social Market Foundation, quoting the impact it would have on UK jobs.

The referendum happened more then four years ago and both parties have had sufficient time to negotiate a trade deal.

The EU, despite the UK being its largest export market - we have around a £90 billion trade surplus with them - want us to remain like a satellite state, taking their rules and jurisdiction from their courts.

In other words, not an independent state, which is what the majority voted for.

The EU have been deliberately awkward over this time, very bitter that our country went against them and had the audacity to leave, hoping that we would eventually surrender to their demands (as our previous PM May was suggesting).

Other countries have had little difficulties in negotiating trade deals - Canada and Japan for example.

It would be a mistake for the Government to ask for an extension as we would be dragged into their new budget which starts next year and all the financial implications that go with it - which is why the EU want to keep us in - they need our money.

It would make leaving almost impossible.

We are currently in negotiations with numerous countries around the world, including Australia, New Zealand and the USA, all of which offer tremendous opportunities for jobs and the economy.

Any extension would send out the wrong message - resulting in uncertainty for those countries and for UK businesses.

As an independent United Kingdom we have a great opportunity with the freedoms to negotiate our future trade deals as a sovereign nation with confidence.    

Philip Griffiths 

Brexit Party

The views expressed are those of the author of the letter and not those of Oldham Chronicle.