UK Government will not be seeking an extension to the EU exit Transition Period

New border controls and procedures have been confirmed for 2021 as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, formally notifies the EU that the UK will neither accept nor seek any extension to the Transition Period.

The announcement comes after this morning’s meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee – the last formal moment to agree an extension to the Transition Period – at which the UK Government confirmed the long-standing position that no such extension would be sought.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

We have been absolutely clear that we would not be extending the transition period. I firmly believe that’s the right thing to do, because Scottish businesses need certainty. They need to know what to plan for. Our focus now must be on making the very most of the global opportunities that leaving the EU will bring to Scotland.

UK Government Minister for Scotland David Duguid added:

Scotland’s entire fishing industry has a bright future as we leave the unfair Common Fisheries Policy. Leaving the EU means that Scotland, and the other Devolved Administrations, will see a significant increase in the decision-making powers in fisheries, and for protecting the marine environment. We are working to support our coastal communities as we, once again, become an independent coastal state.