Brexit: London closes the door to an extension

In Brussels

The Europeans wanted to believe that London would change its mind and sooner or later, under pressure from the business community and the coronavirus crisis, would ask for an extension of the transition period. Their meager hopes were showered on Friday during a videoconference. The announcement that catastrophic figures that plunged the UK economy by more than 20% in April that morning did nothing.

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“I have formally confirmed that the UK will not extend the transition period and the deadline for extension has passed. On January 1, 2021, we will regain control and regain our political and economic independence, " Minister of State Michael Gove tweeted after the meeting at which EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier, asked him for this confirmation. By choosing not to extend the transition period by one or two years as permitted by the withdrawal agreement, the United Kingdom is preparing

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