PROJECT FEAR RETURNS
Brexit news latest: Fury at bizarre claims Theresa May could declare MARTIAL LAW to cope with chaos after a No Deal Brexit
WHITEHALL mandarins were today mocked after it emerged they could introduce MARTIAL LAW if there's a No Deal Brexit, it emerged today.
Theresa May could use sweeping powers to try and stop riots and uproar which some fear would occur in the event Britain left without a deal in March.
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That could include curfews, confiscating property, bans on travel, or even deployment of the army to control any disobedience that may happen, the
Critics from all sides blasted the outlandish claims - accusing civil servants of joining in the Project Fear plans to scare MPs into backing the PM's Brexit deal.
Top Brexiteer Douglas Carswell said: "Government plans for martial law? In Britain in 2019? These clowns are not fit for public office."
Remainer David Lammy added: "The idea that the Government has any mandate for this catastrophic scenario is ludicrous."
The paper said that Robert MacFarlane, the deputy director of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, has been involved in discussions about the practicalities of implementing the 2004 act, according to sources within the Cabinet Office.
The Civil Contingencies law was brought in to deal with national emergencies like war and terrorism.
One source told the paper: "As no-deal preparations are accelerated and training is rolled out to civil servants, questions have been raised about the legislation and how it could be used in the event of a no-deal Brexit."
The law also allows government to change other laws to protect human life and make sure the public have access to money, good, water and fuel supplies.
Today Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to say the story was untrue - but insisted that martial law "isn't the focus of our attention".
Last month it was revealed that thousands of troops have been put on standby in the event of a No Deal Brexit - and that includes reservists too.
The news came as:
- MPs geared up for another Commons clash on Tuesday as Theresa May inches closer to getting her deal passed
- Philip May was said to have urged the PM to try to unite her party rather than reach out to Labour for a deal
- MPs face extra long days and even cancelling their next holiday break to get Brexit done on time
Yesterday the Cabinet Office had said the closest thing to a No Deal Brexit in recent times was the Iceland ash cloud chaos - and they should use that to help Britain prepare.
Air travel was thrown into chaos and hundreds of thousands were left stranded.
BREXIT 'WORSE' THAN ICELAND ASH CLOUD CHAOS
But one official said a No Deal would be even worse than that - with fears of food and medicine shortages.
Best for Britain supporter David Lammy MP said in response to the news: "This is a full-blown crisis. The government is recklessly drawing up plans for a colossal act of self-harm.
"Through continuing on the path to Brexit, despite having achieved no consensus on a deal in Parliament, the government is preparing to declare war on itself.
"The idea that the government has any mandate for this catastrophic scenario is ludicrous. The Leave campaign promised a stable new trading relationship with the EU after Brexit, not total isolation and soldiers in our airports."
A Downing Street spokesman said: “Respecting the referendum decision means leaving the EU.
"The prime minister has said there will be disruption in the event of no deal, but as a responsible government we are taking the appropriate steps to minimise this disruption and ensure the country is prepared."
The Sun Says
MARTIAL law? Come off it.
Claims that Britain will need military intervention in a No Deal Brexit are the most ridiculous fear-mongering yet.
No Deal would be a challenge — but Britain would get through it and thrive.
Panicked civil servants should listen to the Queen.
As Her Majesty said, seeking common ground will take us far.
Because even if No Deal isn’t ideal, it must stay on the table.
When Theresa May heads back to Brussels, the EU need to know we’re serious about walking away if they don’t fix the ridiculous backstop.
That’s why Yvette Cooper’s parliamentary power grab is so dangerous.
If MPs delay Brexit fearing No Deal, Britain’s hand will be weaker, making a second referendum a real danger.
It’s also worrying that Mrs May told allies she could never go for No Deal.
Stand firm, Prime Minister — and don’t crumble to the prophets of doom.
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Damian Hinds insist that the British government won't let us leave without a Brexit deal
MOST READ IN BREXIT
Last week Philip Hammond said that a No Deal would cause "disruption" to the UK.
"There will be a short term impact through disruption. There will be a long-term impact through a reduction in the size of our economy."
But this morning Damian Hinds said this morning he doesn't think it will actually happen.
"I don't envisage No Deal becoming Government policy," he told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday.
"We want to avoid a No Deal. No deal would not be a good outcome."
Brexit could have to be delayed even if MPs sign off Theresa May's deal, Andrea Leadsom reveals
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