Will we extend the transition period in light of Covid 19?

[DannyNedelko]

In theory, it is now set in law that the transition period cannot be extended. We've been told that if no progress is made by June, we will prepare for no trade deal and tariffs.

In practice, it's unlikely that either the UK or EU will be focusing on this, whilst this corona virus is doing the rounds. Key negotiators may have to self isolate or be unable to travel to trade talks.

Many businesses are likely to struggle due to Covid 19, and won't be in a great place to withstand any issues that arise from properly leaving the EU.

Before the Covid 19 crisis, Boris was committed to leaving at the year, whatever the cost. What will happen?

I think that the only two achievable options are

1. No deal deal beyond what is in the withdrawal agreement - and even compliance with the WA is going to be complicated, because there is as yet no clear plan for N Ireland

1. A transition extension

Realistically the second has to be the more likely outcome, but there is a non-negligible risk of the headbangers imposing the first. The COVID crisis has shown once again just how crazy the far right is, and how unconcerned they are about imposing harm on others.

@Mistigri so you claimed that the “transition is going to be extended for two years”. Hmmm.... as you said “calling bullshit on that one”.

It would be the most pragmatic course of action.

This Government does not do pragmatism. It does right wing ideology backed up with soundbites, and can occasionally be shamed into a u-turn.

I hope there won't be an extension, I really do believe that a deal of some sorts is possible in a short time frame as it would benefit both parties.

Is there any news on a potential extension?

We were hoping to emigrate to mainland Europe at the end of this year (before Dec 31st) but we can’t get out of Australia. We’re all dual citizens (UK and AUS) so can live in Europe without any problems, if we can get there before the end of the year!

Unfortunately it’s looking very unlikely that we’ll be able to leave Australia before then :( because we want to move isn’t a valid reason for an exemption to the travel ban.

The Conservative Government is adamant that there won't be an extension.

The "best" we can hope for is a bare bones trade deal to stop grid lock at the ports - but certainly anything that changes/extends the transition arrangements for Freedom of Movement is highly unlikely.

Sorry

Hahahahaha not a chance Boris and all his idiot cronies don't want one so we are heading non stop for a chaotic, cliff edge of a No Deal Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

@prettybird and @MarshmallowManiac - thank you for your replies.

Definitely not what we were wanting to here, but we'll keep everything crossed we can get an exemption. Not sure what we'll do if we can't but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Nope. very much looks like they are going to drive us off the cliff!

I would love an extension too Maitland but I fear it's not what we're going to get happy to be proved wrong though