Government Brexit study warns of food shortages

A NO-deal Brexit could trigger hold-ups at ports, electricity price increases, food shortages and delays to medicine imports, government documents reveal.

HGV delays of up to two-anda-half days would occur at Dover and public disorder could increase, according to the Operation Yellowhammer report, which has been released following a vote by MPs.

The report says: “There are likely to be significant electricity (price) increases for consumers.

“Protests and counter-protests will take place across the UK and may absorb significant amounts of police resources. There may also be a rise in public disorder and community tensions.”

The document adds: “Low-income groups will be disproportionately affected by any price rises in food and fuel.”

The Government describes the report as being concerned with the “worst-case scenario”.

The development comes after Boris Johnson’s decision to suspend Parliament was ruled unlawful by three senior Scottish judges who concluded it had been done with “the purpose of stymying Parliament”.

The Court of Session in Edinburgh said prorogation was therefore “null and of no effect”. The Government will appeal the decision in the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, a separate hearing at the High Court in London rejected a case brought by businesswoman Gina Miller, ruling the decision to prorogue Parliament was “purely political” and therefore not capable of challenge in the courts. This judgment will also be challenged in the Supreme Court.