Brexit ‘no deal’ preparations stepped up

The Scottish Government will do everything in its power to stop a deeply damaging ‘no deal’ Brexit, the First Minister has confirmed.

At a cabinet meeting ministers also agreed to step up preparations for a ‘no deal’ after the UK Government’s refusal to enter into negotiations with the EU made such an outcome more likely.

The First Minister will chair a meeting of the Government’s Ministerial Group on EU Exit Readiness next week.

The First Minister said: “In its first week the UK Government has shown it is willing to risk a ‘no deal’ Brexit. Taking Scotland out of the EU in any way is deeply undemocratic but the Prime Minister’s refusal to engage with the EU has dramatically increased the prospect that we will face a deeply damaging ‘no deal’ Brexit.

“If the Prime Minister continues with this approach Scottish jobs will be lost and our economy seriously damaged and it will be entirely the UK Government’s responsibility.

“Having assessed the actions of the new UK Government our work to prepare for ‘no deal’ will intensify in the coming weeks and months. But even with the best possible preparations, leaving the EU without a deal will hurt Scotland’s businesses, disrupt trade and impact on all aspects of society. There is simply no way to mitigate every impact that ‘no deal’ will have, no matter how hard we try.

“The willingness of the UK Government to pursue this approach, against all the evidence, shows why we must continue to make preparations for a referendum that will give people the right to decide Scotland’s future, instead of being dragged out of the EU against their will.”

Despite the Scottish Government’s concerns a No Deal Brexit is looking increasingly likely. The  EU is not minded to renegotiate an agreement and the Westminster government’s rhetoric suggests that the UK will leave the EU on 31 October, deal or no deal. 

Yesterday, Communities and Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP (above) said local councils should be fully prepared to leave the European Union by the end of October, as he ramped up preparations.

Mr Jenrick thanked councils for all the work they have already done, but said they must step up vital preparations and committed £20 million for councils across England to prepare for delivering Brexit on 31 October, whatever the circumstances.

He has asked each council to designate a Brexit lead to work with central government and oversee teams in every community who will work with stakeholders in their area to plan intensively for Brexit.

The new funding comes in recognition of the central role councils will play to make sure their residents are ready for Brexit, and is expected to support a range of activity including communications, training and the recruitment of staff.

Mr Jenrick will continue to talk to local council leaders to give them the opportunity to discuss preparations and the opportunities of Brexit ahead.

Communities and Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “From Whitehall to town halls – everyone needs to be ready to fulfil our democratic mandate to leave the European Union by the end of October.

“Local government has a vital role in helping to make Brexit a success and it is absolutely right that together we intensify preparations in every community.

“And to do this successfully I have asked every council (in England – Ed) to appoint a Brexit lead to work with government. We’ll be providing £20 million for councils to support the major step up in preparations.

“I want all of us – central and local government – to be fully prepared for leaving the EU on 31 October whatever the circumstances. I know that we can achieve this, by continuing to work side by side with renewed national focus and intensity.”

The UK government recognises that certain areas face more acute pressures. It is currently considering how best to allocate funding to ensure that those areas where greater impacts are expected, such as high impact ports of entry, get the funding they need in order take appropriate steps.

At his first meeting with senior leaders from English local authorities since becoming the Communities and Local Government Secretary earlier this week, Mr Jenrick told representatives that the government will support them to ensure they are ready to leave the EU in just under 90 days’ time.

Departments will continue to assess and, if appropriate, fund any potential new requirements of local authorities as part of Brexit work they are undertaking.

In January the UK Government committed £58 million of funding to support local authorities in their preparations for Brexit.