Leaked dossier reveals chaotic worst-case scenario if no-deal Brexit and coronavirus coincide
The military may be drafted in to airdrop food to the Channel Islands under emergency plans drawn up by the government to protect the UK if a second coronavirus wave coincides with a no-deal Brexit.
A Cabinet Office “reasonable worst-case scenario” document, leaked to the Sun newspaper, also discusses using the Navy to stop British fishermen clashing with illegal European fishing boat incursions.
No-deal chaos
The document says parts of the UK may face power and petrol shortages if thousands of lorries are stranded in Dover. Meanwhile, shortages of medicines caused by port blockages could lead to animal diseases spreading through the countryside.
The classified document, dated July 2020, further warns that town halls could go bust, and if trade restrictions triggered by a no-deal Brexit are combined with floods, flu and another coronavirus (Covid-19) wave, then hospitals may be overwhelmed.
Scientists are fearful that the winter months could bring about a second wave of coronavirus in the UK.
Moreover, the dossier discusses the possibility of drafting troops on to the streets if the economic toll causes public disorder, shortages and price hikes.
UK and EU negotiators have warned that there’s been little progress during the latest round of post-Brexit trade deal talks in August. And time is running out to broker a deal before the transition period comes to a close on 31 December.
Read on...
Government response
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said:
We got Brexit done with a great deal in January and we are working flat out to make sure the United Kingdom is ready for the changes and huge opportunities at the end of the year as we regain our political and economic independence for the first time in almost fifty years.
Part of this work includes routine contingency planning for various scenarios that we do not think will happen, but we must be ready for come what may.
A government spokesperson added:
As a responsible Government we continue to make extensive preparations for a wide range of scenarios, including the reasonable worst case.
This is not a forecast or prediction of what will happen but rather a stretching scenario. It reflects a responsible Government ensuring we are ready for all eventualities.
We know everyone is suffering under the Tories - but the Canary is a vital weapon in our fight back, and we need your support
The Canary Workers’ Co-op knows life is hard. The Tories are waging a class war against us we’re all having to fight. But like trade unions and community organising, truly independent working-class media is a vital weapon in our armoury.
The Canary doesn’t have the budget of the corporate media. In fact, our income is over 1,000 times less than the Guardian’s. What we do have is a radical agenda that disrupts power and amplifies marginalised communities. But we can only do this with our readers’ support.
So please, help us continue to spread messages of resistance and hope. Even the smallest donation would mean the world to us.
-
Show Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to leave a comment.Join the conversationPlease read our comment moderation policy here.
Ready for all eventualities?
They are asleep on a Economic Bomb just ticking until the Christmas deadline.
The language of Gove shows the Tories are satisfied now with their position On Brexit that they got it done in January of this year.
This could be the “delusionalsaurus” speak of the year as the New Year rolls in after six years of wasting Britians time with an immature idea.
Why it will be like war again as if that’s the only program for unity I’m guessing the Ruling Class knows.
One must consider history as that is where the ruling class has originated from over the centuries of military conquests, and the appropriation of others creative talent.
Its Conservative tale of progress.