During these challenging times, it is more important than ever to stay connected. That's why this week, we hosted our second Twitter Chat! This time, we talked about our newest campaign to extend the transition period in order to avoid a catastrophic No Deal Brexit.
We started off with a simple poll - and as you can see, the results were pretty clear!
POLL: In the context of #Covid19 do you think that the government should extend the transition? #BrexitWatch
— European Movement UK (@euromove) May 11, 2020
Next, we asked how a No Deal Brexit would impact your industry. We got some very interesting replies, with everyone from doctors to bakers highlighting the difficulties that would arise if we crash out without a trade agreement in place.
Working in the NHS, we would be especially affected by the loss of EU workforce, the inability to buy medications, most of which are EU imports, ant the inability to take part in joint purchasing schemes. That is of course in addition to the economic impact and loss of goodwill
— PeterB #FBPE (@peterdavidburke) May 11, 2020
We run a cakery and at least half our orders are for free- from cakes, specifically, gluten free. We rely on quality ingredients; chocolate, almonds, maize flour. No deal means no food and the Trump trade deal means you can’t get food of acceptable quality.
— Juliet Bramfitt (@BramfittJuliet) May 11, 2020
Annette asked about the best way to lobby the government to agree to an extension as the end of June draws nearer.
Hi Anette! Great #BrexitWatch Question.
— European Movement UK (@euromove) May 11, 2020
We're campaigning to do just that. You can join us by:
📝Sign the petition: https://t.co/qJ3hZjFOab
✍️Write to your MP: https://t.co/4PnlpkpBKI
✊Chip in to the crowdfunder: https://t.co/8KNmUtvZDM https://t.co/oOAt9XVxAk
Friederike asked a great question about reaching people outside of our bubble and welcoming new people into our movement:
Great question! The best activism starts in your own community - but during this challenging time, our advocacy has had to move online. However, you can still contact local businesses, write to your local paper, and even post in local facebook groups! 💪 https://t.co/D4lIWZ3N2r
— European Movement UK (@euromove) May 11, 2020
We then asked our Chair, Former Health Secretary Stephen Dorrell what the main impact of a No Deal Brexit would be on the NHS:
Supply of equipment and medicines is already disrupted; staff recruitment from EU countries is already down; research funding is already reduced. Why make it worse? Brexit has happened; we don't argue (today) to reverse it. Simply to avoid unnecessary further risks. https://t.co/xH1uFPCWMa
— Stephen Dorrell 🔸 (@stephen_dorrell) May 11, 2020
We ended the chat with a fun twitter poll about just how bad a No Deal Brexit would be. You heard it here first, folks: a No Deal Brexit would be worse than Marmite!
#BrexitWatch POLL: how bad would No Deal Brexit be?
— European Movement UK (@euromove) May 11, 2020
Worse than: