Brexit: The Scottish premier has called for an extension of the transition period

The chief negotiators of the EU, Michel Barnier, and for the UK, David Frost, met yesterday in Brussels.

The European Parliament is clutching for a trade agreement to be ratified before the end of the transition period on 31 December 3. But talks between London and Brussels have not yet produced any results. Disagreements remain over fishing and state aid to companies issues.

Scotland asks for an extension

The Scottish premier has called for an extension of the transition period. With the U.K. in crisis over the emergence of a new variant of coronavirus and many EU countries closing their borders with the country, Scottish Premier Nicola Sturgeon, urged Boris Johnson to call for an extension of the Brexit transition period saying Britain faces a "profoundly serious situation" with the new Covid-19 mutation and this one that "requires our 100 percent attention. It would be inconceivable to escalate the situation with Brexit."

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It’s now imperative that PM seeks an agreement to extend the Brexit transition period. The new Covid strain - & the various implications of it - means we face a profoundly serious situation, & it demands our 100% attention. It would be unconscionable to compound it with Brexit.

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 20, 2020

The British prime minister will hold an emergency meeting of the government's Cobra Committee today to try to avoid food shortages in the UK.

Also read: A new mutation of covid-19 identified, says UK Health Minister

Barnier, said Brexit trade talks are at a "crucial moment" and the British side has accused the EU of making "unreasonable demands" on fishing rights and competition rules.

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