During an Urgent Question to the Cabinet Office on the third round of the negotiations on the UK’s future relationship with the EU, Fay Jones MP asked The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP if he agreed that extending the transition period would only cause more uncertainty for rural businesses.
Via a virtual link to Parliament, Miss Jones, Member of Parliament for Brecon and Radnorshire said "The rural economy in Brecon and Radnorshire has been hit hard by COVID-19 and the resulting lockdown". She asked Mr Gove "Does my Right Honourable Friend agree that any extension to the transition period would not only cause more uncertainty for rural businesses, but would hold back the UK economy further, at a time when a vital recovery is needed?"
Mr Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office responded "She is absolutely right that the uncertainty that comes over whether we leave on 31st December is deeply damaging. I'm afraid the uncertainty generated by the Labour Party is a problem because they cannot have their date and eat it."
Commenting on the exchange, Fay Jones MP said:
"Businesses in my constituency want certainty. They want to know that this Government is going to help them recover from COVID-19 and agree a free trade deal with the European Union. We need continuity and certainty in Brecon and Radnorshire, and I am pleased that Michael Gove is aiming to deliver just that."
The full exchange can be watched here.