U.K. Says Will Reject Any EU Request to Extend Brexit Transition
- Government says putting off final stage prolongs uncertainty
- Executives have called for a delay due to virus pressures
The Houses of Parliament stand across the River Thames in London on April 9.
Photographer: Simon Dawson/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
The U.K. government said it will reject any request from the European Union to delay the final stage of Brexit even as coronavirus hampers negotiations over their future economic relationship.
“Extending the transition would prolong business uncertainty,” government spokesman James Slack said on a call with reporters on Thursday, referring to the continuity period due to end on Dec. 31. “U.K. business needs to know what its future trading arrangements will be and how to adapt to them. It’s better to be clear now.”