The UK Government is being urged to ask the European Union
(EU) for the maximum two-year extension to the Brexit
transition period.
Constitution Secretary said it is essential
for the UK Government to seek the full extension on offer to
avoid further damage to jobs, wellbeing and the economy.
Mr Russell said it was reckless for the UK Government to
continue negotiations, pushing forward its plans for a hard
Brexit, at the height of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
He has called for an urgent meeting to be held by
videoconference with all four UK nations on the Joint
Ministerial Committee (European Negotiations), which has not
met in any form since January.
Mr Russell said:
“Instead of its reckless decision to pursue a hard Brexit in
the middle of this unprecedented crisis, the UK Government
should today be asking the EU for the maximum two-year
extension to the transition period.
“The benefits of co-ordinated European action have never been
clearer.
“An extended transition will keep the UK as close as possible
to the EU and provide an opportunity to re-think the future
relationship.
“The UK Government is pressing ahead with negotiations
without properly involving the Scottish Government, or taking
account of our views.
“The Scottish economy cannot afford the double hit of
COVID-19 and the growing likelihood of a ‘no deal’, or at
best a hard Brexit deal, in less than nine months’ time.
“The voices of all four UK nations must be heard and I am
therefore calling for an urgent meeting of the Joint
Ministerial Committee (European Negotiations) which has the
task of overseeing negotiations. Clearly if it does not meet,
it cannot oversee.”
Background
The UK and the EU are in a transitional period during which
the UK is aligned with EU rules.
This will last until 31 December 2020 but under the terms of
the Withdrawal Agreement the period may be extended by mutual
agreement, by up to two years, if the UK requests an
extension before 30 June this year.
