The planning for a no-Brexit scenario was ramped up today, with the agreement that 3,500 troops will be ready, on stand-by, to help with the expected disruption that would occur under this decision.
No 10 confirmed on Tuesday that ministers would “ramp up” no-deal planning. Government documents warn No Deal could prompt shortages of fuel, food, medicine and water.
The PM spokesman said the cabinet “agreed that delivering the deal that the prime minister agreed with Brussels remains the government’s top priority and our best no-deal mitigation”.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Gavin Williamson, defence sec, said his department “will have 3,500 service personnel held at readiness, including regulars and reserves, in order to support any government department on any contingencies they may need”.
The communities secretary, James Brokenshire, said it was “right and proper” for no-deal planning to be ramped up.
Brokenshire said: “We have been taking no-deal seriously for some considerable period.
“I’m not going to pretend otherwise that we are stepping up our preparations for no-deal. Although, frankly the way to avoid that, as I’m sure others would say very clearly, is having parliament voting to secure that deal.”
More to follow
Cabinet to order Britain’s six million businesses to start immediate preparations for No Deal Brexit
