'Just get it over and done with’ – What Gazette readers think about the Brexit transition period

The United Kingdom’s transition period for leaving the European Union after Brexit is due to expire at the end of this year – but do you think an extension should be permitted as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak?

By Ryan Smith

Published 16th Sep 2020, 12:30 BST

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The post-Brexit transition period will run out on New Year’s Eve – and time is running out to strike a deal with the EU, which would cover everything from trade to the movement of people across the continent.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic still causing chaos across the world, we asked the Gazette readers for their opinions on extending the Brexit transition period with a view to securing a deal for the future.

This is what you said on the Northumberland Gazette Facebook page:

This is what Northumberland Gazette readers had to say on whether the Brexit transition period should be extended or not due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Getty Images.

This is what Northumberland Gazette readers had to say on whether the Brexit transition period should be extended or not due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Getty Images.

Daniel Elsom: “Yes, because it will only set us back for our coronavirus recovery if we crash out without a free trade agreement with Europe.”

Eleanor Lang: “No it needs to be finished one way or the other.”

Peter Guthrie: “Yes it should be extended. Do people want us in economic dire straights?”

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Hazel Boon: “This situation should should never have happened in the first place.”

Tony Ormond: “Walk away now, no trade deal, no £40 billion (or whatever the true figure is) divorce settlement and do trade deals with any other countries that wish to trade with the UK.”

Kay Thornton: “No. It’s dragged on long enough, just get it over and done with.”

Fiona Langham: “Not at all. Get it done and let's get on with business.”

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