Senior Tory MP calls for Brexit extension saying it’s ‘time for maturity’

The MP for North Dorset said that there is now no time for parliament to scrutinise a deal and that the dangers of a no-deal Brexit on the economy is “alarming”.

He tweeted: “With worsening Covid situation & time of the year I’d really like to see the clock temporarily “stopped” on Brexit talks.

“There’s no Parly time to scrutinise and agree a Deal and daily clarity of the dangers to our already pressured economy of No Deal is alarming.

“Time for maturity”

He is one of the first Tory MPs to call for an extension after Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon led the calls on Sunday.

His call received support from those warning about the dangers of a no-deal Brexit.

“Well said,” wrote one. “We’ve already left the EU, Brexiters have got what they wanted, it’s only sensible to pause now, extend transition until people are vaccinated and a good deal is found and businesses prepared”.

Jan Bird tweeted: “The prospect of No Deal has been alarming since June 2016, Simon. But thank you for raising this now. We elect MPs to scrutinise, and to make laws based on sound principles, not to scrabble in the mud to deliver anything as long as it vaguely matches an election promise.”

Matthew Green said: “A welcome call from Simon Hoare. Need many more Tory MPs calling for this if there’s to be slightest chance of outbreak of sanity & maturity in the Govt & a request to extend transition period. Sadly sanity & maturity are not words associated with many Tory MPs.”

But Marilyn Cash wanted his calls to go further. She replied: “The really sensible thing to do would be to rejoin the EU. We have heard the democracy argument about leave winning the vote but no-one voted for the shambles it has become. Time to stop pandering to the ERG and put the country first.”