All flights between Britain and Europe could STOP the day after Brexit, Chancellor claims

PLANES could be banned from flying between Britain and Europe if we don’t strike a trade deal with the EU, Philip Hammond claimed today.

The Chancellor warned MPs that all air traffic could “theoretically” stop the day after Brexit.

But Mr Hammond - known as an arch-Remainer - added that no one “seriously believes” such an outcome is likely to unfold.

Quizzed by the Treasury Select Committee today, the Chancellor mentioned air travel as one industry which could be affected if we leave the EU without a deal.

He said: “It is theoretically conceivable that in a no-deal scenario there will be no air traffic moving between the UK and European Union on March 29, 2019 - but I don’t think anyone seriously believes that is where we’ll get to.

“So there are a range of outcomes. What we will need to do at a point in time is determine what a realistic worst case scenario that we need to plan for and invest for.

“On that specific point it’s very clear that mutual self-interest means that even if talks break down, even if there is no deal, there will be a very strong compulsion on both sides to reach agreement on an air traffic services arrangement."

At the moment, air traffic in the EU is governed by the Single European Sky arrangement which allows planes to fly without restriction from one European country to another.

That will have to be replaced with a new treaty when we quit the bloc to enable flights to continue as before.

Mr Hammond told MPs that Britain would be prepared for a no-deal Brexit - but refused to commit billions of pounds to help ministers get ready for the scenario.

Labour transport spokesman Karl Turner said today: "Philip Hammond has today confirmed that 'no deal' would be a total disaster for the aviation sector.

"The impact of this uncertainty will be felt by passengers long before March 2019 as airlines may not be able to sell advance tickets if a deal is not reached."