[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Even bearing in mind the coronavirus issue, I think Boris will find it unplatable as well as risky politically to extend the transition period. He is anxious to show, over the shouts of 'liar, liar' that he can deliver what he promised.

As I understand it, negotiations are continuing via videolink. Far better than trotting back and forth between here and the Continent. It's about time we stopped jetting around the world to have talks with overseas governments. It's not necessary these days.

A very important factor about not extending the deadline is to keep the EU on the back foot. They no longer have the upper hand and, through their arragance, they know it.

Of course there's little harm in an extension whereby a worthwhile gain for the UK is offered, but I fear the EU is too far up itself do to that.

Finally, I suspect that Boris & co have reasoned that a no-deal outcome is a workable outcome for the UK, preserving its sovereignty and if that's going to be the case, sooner rather than dragging it on to later with all the noise that will bring. Leave properly and get on with the reshape.