Govt must extend transition given NI Assembly vote

Responding to news that the Northern Ireland Assembly has passed a motion calling for an extension to the Brexit transition period given the COVID-19 crisis, Liberal Democrat Brexit and Foreign Affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said:

"The Conservatives' proposed Brexit will have a profound impact on the people and businesses of Northern Ireland.

"At a time when the economy and society is already under huge amounts of pressure, it would be reckless for the government to pursue a situation where the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal.

"The NI Assembly's vote is a clear indication that Boris Johnson must rethink and do the right thing for those across the UK.

"Not enough progress has been made on negotiations and we are now dangerously close to the extension deadline. Liberal Democrats will continue to call on the government to secure an extension of the transition period as a priority."

The Private Members' Business from the Northern Ireland assembly was

"That this Assembly notes its unique role as a named party to the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement and the unique impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland; further notes the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and the extreme challenges facing businesses and workers; and calls on the UK Government to request, and the European Union to agree, an extension of the current Brexit transition period beyond 31 December 2020 in order that businesses have adequate time to prepare for the implementation of new arrangements."

https://blog.niassembly.gov.uk/2020/05/whats-happening-in-chamber-monday-1st.html