Some are now claiming that Covid-19 has made Brexit impossible. On the contrary, it has made it even more urgent – and made any delay potentially even more damaging.

First, consider that any delay would mean extending the transition period, under which Britain is subject to all EU rules but has no role in shaping them.

The impact of that would be incalculable. Who knows what directives and regulations will issue from the European Commission as it struggles to restore the very concept of a European Union?

Think what further delay would mean to the fishing industry, already hanging on for dear life while EU ships plunder Britain’s fishing stocks and EU regulations make it increasingly impossible for smaller ships to fish economically. It would be a death sentence for British fishing.

Further delay would mean being forced to send further billions off to Brussels, money needed here to rebuild Britain. Worse, Britain is increasingly likely to be saddled with its “share” of the EU debt that has piled up, on top of the debt the Government has already incurred.

What do we need to produce here, or be able to produce rapidly, to cope with expected medical emergencies? Make your own list: gowns, face masks, rubber gloves, ventilators, vaccines, antibiotics.

The final break with the EU will also leave Britain free to restructure the economy to make it more able to cope with future epidemics. State aid will be necessary to shift the economy away from its dependence on long supply chains. The last thing Britain needs is to have to go begging to Brussels over every move involving state aid.

What is clear from all the chatter about delay is that the enemies of Brexit have not given up. They will use anything, even the tragedy of Covid-19, to try to overturn the will of the British people.

The forces for Brexit cannot afford to wait for the Covid-19 crisis to end. We must demand, loudly, no delay. Not another day under the EU thumb.

Will Podmore

Clavering Road, Wanstead