Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the negotiations on the future relationship between the UK and the European Union. This is a matter of huge importance, and I recognise that this is a growing concern for many of my constituents. I would like to thank you for sharing your views.

I appreciate the concerns you raise. Time will soon be running out for the Government to reach a deal with the EU on the terms it has promised. At the same time, a leaked Cabinet Office document shows that “a reasonable worse-case scenario” of failing to strike a deal in time includes a range of serious implications for people’s living standards from delays to medicines, shortages of everyday goods, and serious implications for some crucial public services such as social care. I have been listening to businesses and they are concerned about what leaving without a negotiated deal will mean including the impact on jobs.

Unfortunately, the Government, having promised to “get Brexit done”, instead seems now to be seeking to get it undone by trying to overturn aspects of what it promised the people of the UK was a “great new deal” that was “signed, sealed and ready” and agreed with the EU27 countries. Breaking international law does serious damage to our standing in the world if our country is no longer seen to keep its promises.

It is not too late for the Government to change course though. The outstanding issues in the negotiations are not insurmountable. There is still time for the Government to fulfil its pledges to the British people.

We left the EU on 31 January this year. We now need a trade deal with Europe which reflects our country’s desire for high standards in employment, consumer, environmental and animal welfare rights in our future outside of the EU. Instead of reopening old wounds, undermining the UK’s reputation internationally and making crucial trade negotiations more difficult, the Government should concentrate on getting positively concluding a deal with the EU and work constructively on the many issues facing countries from COVID-19, security and climate change.

I can assure you that I will continue to do all I can to push the Government to deliver what it promised by the end of the year. Thank you once again for contacting me about this vital matter.

Yours sincerely

Peter Dowd MP