The Prime Minister’s self-imposed deadline to secure a trade deal with Europe has come and gone.

We were all promised a comprehensive deal with Europe – I believe there is still time to deliver that promise.

As the second wave of COVID begins, it’s never been more crucial to reach a recovery boosting deal with Europe.

Polling by Best for Britain shows over three quarters (78%) of people in the South West of England have already noticed job losses and business closures in their community – something I’ve seen as well.

A recent report by the same organises the countless professions, products and industries, not to mention tourism, will be severely impacted from day one of a no deal exit.

To leave the transition period with no plan and no deal would be disastrous in this climate.

Last week also saw the passing of the Agricultural Bill, without the amendments intended to protect our food standards and our farmers.

It was a stark reminder that the best guarantee of our high standards is to trade with an ally who shares them.

Abandoning trade with our closest neighbour without a plan in place would compound our already vulnerable position.

This is not an abstract matter of diplomacy and trade – our lives and our livelihoods are on the line.

Let’s pursue a recovery boosting deal, which lets us work with Europe to recover from COVID and keep our standards high.

NICKY BUSST

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