Last week the Prime Minister’s self-imposed deadline to secure a trade deal with Europe passed.

We were all promised a comprehensive “oven ready” deal with Europe – we believe there is still time to deliver that promise. As the second wave of COVID begins, it’s never been more crucial to reach a recovery-boosting deal with Europe.

Polling by Best for Britain shows four fifths of people in the South East of England have already noticed job losses and business closures in their community – something we’ve seen as well. A recent report by the same organisation shows the countless professions, products and industries which will be severely impacted from day one of a no deal exit. To leave the transition period with no plan and no deal would be disastrous in this climate.

Last week also saw the passing of the Agricultural Bill, without the amendments intended to protect our food standards and our farmers.

It was a stark reminder that the best guarantee of our high standards is to trade with an ally who shares them. Abandoning trade with our closest neighbour without a plan in place would compound our already vulnerable position.

This is not an abstract matter of diplomacy and trade – our lives and our livelihoods are on the line. Let’s pursue a recovery-boosting deal, which lets us work with Europe to recover from COVID and keep our standards high.

Alan and Janet Veal, address supplied