The UK’s police chiefs are preparing for widesread civil disorder if the country leaves the European Union without a Brexit agreement, a newspaper report said Sunday, agencies reported.
Citing a leaked document, the Sunday Times said shortages of food and goods, including healthcare supplies, will trigger “civil disorder leading to widespread unrest.”
The document was drafted by the National Police Co-ordination Centre, a body responsible for corganizing police deployments during crises.
The newspaper said the civil unrest could go on for months after Brexit day on March 29, 2019.
Interior Minister Sajid Javid told the BBC: “I’m glad the police and other experts are looking into this and thinking what might happen in a no-deal scenario. I don’t expect a no-deal outcome, but we need to prepare for all contingencies.”
However, Louise Haigh, crime spokeswoman for the main opposition Labour party, said the situation could be a “nightmare,” adding that a “no-deal Brexit would leave Britain on the brink.”
Britain and the EU aim to finalize a Brexit deal in the coming weeks, but the Irish border issue has become a significant obstacle.