LET'S STOP ALL TALK OF DELAYING CUTTING ECONOMIC TIES WITH EU, SAYS OUR MAN ABOUT THE HOUSE

FIRMS GONE THROUGH 'UNPRECEDENTED TIME' WITH PANDEMIC AND PROLONGED EUROPEAN UNION EXIT SAGA

ATHERSTONE MP Craig Tracey has called on Government to heed the views of businesses in the town and reject any talk of extending the transition period to fully exit the European Union.

The town's Westminster representative won praise from Cabinet Office minister Michael for his intervention in a Commons debate on Britain's future relationship with the EU.

Mr Tracey said staying tied to Brussels in any way would "not be helpful" to local firms.

He said Atherstone and North Warwickshire businesses needed "clarity" to enable them to plan for a bright future.

The MP told the Commons: "Speaking to businesses in my constituency, it is clear they have gone through an unprecedented time of uncertainty both with the current pandemic and also the prolonged Brexit saga."

He asked Mr Gove whether he agreed that by rejecting calls to extend the transition period, it would give businesses the "certainty they need to successfully plan for life outside the EU and get themselves ready for the many opportunities of being part of a more globalised economy".

The frontbencher complimented his Tory colleague on a "very, very good point" which he said echoed the words of CBI director-general Dame Carolyn Fairburn who said that although the UK had left the EU politically, it needed to do the same economically, adding: "Business does not have any interest in delaying that because that is uncertainty personified."

Mr Gove has claimed there is still time for the UK and EU to "bring a deal home".

He said Brexit trade talks will be intensified from end of this month, adding that meetings will take place every week in July with a "keen focus on finding an early understanding" on the "principles which will underpin a broad agreement".

In a statement to the Commons, Mr Gove said: "We're looking to get things done in July. We do not want to see this process going on into the autumn and then the winter. We all need certainty and that is what we're aiming to provide."

The Tory frontbencher said the UK is "ready to be flexible" in how it secures a comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU, and dismissed an extension of the transition period beyond December.

He said there is "no intrinsic reason" why a deal cannot be concluded in good time, saying: "The UK's political will is there, our position is reasonable, based on precedent, and we still have the time to bring a deal home.

"That is why the Prime Minister has led the drive to accelerate these talks, to reach agreement and to ensure next January we leave the regulatory reach of the EU and embrace the new opportunities our independence will bring."