Coronavirus: Brexit transition period must be extended ‘immediately’, says shadow minister

A European Union flag in front of Big Ben at an anti-Brexit event. Photograph: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA. - Credit: PA

Shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murrayis calling for an ‘immediate’ extension to the Brexit transition period due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In a letter to Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, Murray said ‘this is not a time for constitutional politics’, adding the government focus should be on tackling Covid-19.

The transition period for the UK leaving the EU expires on December 31, with a deadline to request an extension set for June 30.

Murray wrote: ‘I note that Scottish Conservative and Unionist leader Jackson Carlaw MSP has called for a ‘pragmatic response’.

‘The pragmatic response for the UK government is to urgently apply for an extension to the transition period.


Have your say
Send your letters for publication to The New European by emailing letters@theneweuropean.co.uk and pick up an edition each Thursday for more comment and analysis. Find your nearest stockist here or subscribe to a print or digital edition for just £13. You can also join our readers' Facebook group to keep the discussion and debate going with thousands of fellow pro-Europeans.

‘This is not a time for constitutional politics and business do not need any more uncertainty.’

He added: ‘The entire focus of all governments in the UK must be on working together to tackle the coronavirus outbreak and then dealing with its aftermath to ensure our economy recovers.

‘I therefore hope you will support your party leader in Holyrood, and business leaders across the UK, and address this issue with your cabinet colleagues at the earliest possible opportunity.’

The Edinburgh South MP also asked for assurances that MPs would return to parliament in some form after the Easter recess, as well as the extension of the job retention scheme to those who have started a new job and concerns about people who are self employed.

The shadow Scottish Secretary, who was appointed by new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, went on to accuse the UK government of not doing enough to repatriate citizens stuck abroad.

He said: ‘I do believe the UK Government can increase its efforts to get people home. Many airlines that are still operating are charging exorbitant fares which means commercial travel is not affordable for most.

‘My constituents who are still stuck abroad need more certainty that their government will get them home as soon as possible.’