Last evening, the European Movement hosted our third twitter chat! Now that the government has chosen not to extend the Brexit transition period, we spoke about what's next for Brexit in the wake of the biggest public health crisis in over a century, and ways that we can come together to stop a No Deal Brexit. 

We started off with a simple poll: 

#BrexitWatch Question 1:

Now that the UK government has refused to ask for an extension to the transition period, do you think that they will be able to negotiate a deal by December 31st?

— European Movement UK (@euromove) July 8, 2020

As you can see, the results were pretty resounding! Next, Alan asked how the potential of President Biden in November would affect the state of UK-US trade negotiations: 

Great question Alan! While we're not sure how the Prime Minister will react, just this week both Waitrose and Aldi have pledged not to sell chlorinated chicken. It's vital that our food standards are protected in any 🇬🇧-🇺🇸 trade deal. https://t.co/MzbI4CMIrg https://t.co/NosXYc0wnU

— European Movement UK (@euromove) July 8, 2020

Over the past few weeks, leading experts in key industries have warned about the consequences of a No Deal Brexit. 

Loads of organisations have spoken out about no deal, here are just a few:
✴️Food and drinks industry
✴️Leading medical professionals and health care bodies
✴️Farming
✴️Shipping
✴️Auto Industry
✴️Fishing
✴️Many businesses

Do you know of others?#BrexitWatch @andreagewessler https://t.co/BoQ5yOoORE

— European Movement UK (@euromove) July 8, 2020

Matti had some fantastic ideas about how to hold the powerful to account in your own community: 

Well said Matti! Our Chair @stephen_dorrell is calling on the government to come clean about the impact of a No-Deal Brexit during #COVID19 👇https://t.co/a5yfWuxOYc https://t.co/muLpQFzdwZ

— European Movement UK (@euromove) July 8, 2020

Despite the intense focus on negotiations, there has been little research about what the British people actually want from a deal with the EU. We decided to ask: 

#BrexitWatch Question 3:

What do you most want to see protected in any EU/UK agreement? #No2NoDeal

— European Movement UK (@euromove) July 8, 2020

The last data released by the government about the impact of a No Deal Brexit was in October 2019 - long before Coronavirus altered our communities forever. That's why we're calling on the government to come clean about the impact of a No Deal Brexit in light of Coronavirus: 

Did you know? The Government's last #NoDeal impact assessment was in October 2019 - long before #COVID19. RT if you think that the government should come clean about the impact of crashing out without a deal in the middle of a global pandemic. https://t.co/a5yfWuxOYc

— European Movement UK (@euromove) July 8, 2020

Julie made a powerful point about the impact of a No Deal Brexit on our NHS: 

🙌🙌🙌 #BrexitWatch #No2NoDeal https://t.co/29nj3NlzZY

— European Movement UK (@euromove) July 8, 2020

We decided to end the chat by inviting our supporters to share their favourite experiences given to them by freedom of movement: 

#BrexitWatch Question 7:

Last week, the government passed the Immigration Bill, which will officially end free movement on January 1st, 2021.

What is your favourite thing that free movement has done for you?

— European Movement UK (@euromove) July 8, 2020

Thanks for joining us! Keep an eye out on our twitter profile (@euromove) for all the latest information on our campaigns, and tweet us using the hashtag #BrexitWatch to ask us questions!