Will the coronavirus crisis kill Brexit?
- Coronavirus crisis forces trade talks with EU to be delayed as it monopolises government resources
- UK PM Boris Johnson under pressure to seek extension to transition period
As governments in the European Union struggle with the unprecedented challenges faced by the coronavirus pandemic, the December 31 deadline for the UK’s trade departure from the EU could be extended – perhaps indefinitely.
The UK officially left the EU on January 31, stripping British passport holders of their EU privileges. British civil servants and European parliamentarians were permanently recalled, and as far as the government of Boris Johnson was concerned, Brexit was done.
But a transition period lasting until December 31 was agreed so that 40 years of regulatory and customs alignment remained in place to ensure the smooth flow of goods and services until a new trade deal was agreed.
The next stage of negotiations with Brussels officials to be held in London this week was abruptly cancelled as governments around the bloc clamped down on travel and face-to-face meetings.
When asked on Wednesday during his daily coronavirus press briefing if he would rule out any extension of the Brexit transition period, Johnson said: “It is not something being discussed in Downing Street. There is legislation in place, which I have no intention of changing.”