Labour Business Survey: how the pandemic has influenced views on a Brexit extension
As a follow up to our previous all-member survey on the economic impact of Coronavirus, in early April, we’ve just completed another all-member survey on how the pandemic has influenced views on a Brexit extension.
The survey was conducted between 16 and 19 May. The results have been shared with the Leadership.
In brief , our members believe the Government should apply for the longest possible extension (2 years) to the transition period to allow time to achieve the best possible deal for the country and allow time for businesses to adapt for the new trading relationship with their biggest market outside the UK. Unsurprisingly, members would want to see Labour making the case for such an extension as forcefully as possible in the days and weeks leading up to the June 30th deadline for requesting an extension.
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Key findings from our Members Survey
- Businesses are struggling as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and while some are concerned with their very survival, most currently believe they will survive the crisis.
- Members believe that the government must apply for the longest possible extension (2 years) to the transition arrangements to allow time to achieve the best deal for the country and allow time for them to prepare their businesses for the specific new trading relationship
- The idea of a departure on Dec 31st with no deal or a bad deal is unacceptable to all but one respondent. Importantly the preference is that any future deal offers the closest possible alignment to the EU
- Moreover the pandemic experience has strengthened the belief that the many global crises we face are more effectively managed by being part of the EU rather than going it alone.
- Members clearly believe that the Labour leadership must be more forcefully making the case for the longest possible extension rather than trying to support a quick deal by December
- Distancing ourselves from the EU will have an adverse effect on our public services both from recruiting care professionals and procuring vital supplies
Full results available to members only:
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