EU GIVEN NO-DEAL WARNING
Brussels tells other 27 countries to prepare for UK crashing out
BRUSSELS has warned every country in the EU to immediately prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
The dramatic order comes seven days after the UK revealed its white paper on leaving the Union.
The European Commission delivered urgent instructions to all of the other 27 states to ramp-up precautions and brace themselves for Britain crashing out without a deal.
Meanwhile, Theresa May was dealt a fresh Brexit blow when Philip Davies, who is Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey’s partner, handed in a letter of no confidence in the Prime Minister.
It came as Mrs May yesterday flew to Northern Ireland in her first visit since the Brexit referendum.
Earlier, the European Commission issued a warning to governments, businesses and citizens in the 27 EU states to prepare for “significant disruption” as a result of Brexit.
Brussels officials said a no-deal cliff-edge withdrawal in March, 2019, cannot be ruled out, and warned “preparation must therefore be stepped up immediately at all levels and taking into account all possible outcomes”.
Top Whitehall mandarins warned MPs of “horrendous consequences” if a cliff-edge withdrawal.
Civil Service CEO John Manzoni told the Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee: “We have to prepare in the event that there are either spiteful or ignorant or whatever activities by third parties.
“That obviously makes it very uncomfortable and some horrendous consequences, and that’s what we have got to try and do our best to mitigate against.”
Shipley, West Yorks, MP Mr Davies became the third Tory to declare publicly he has submitted a letter of no confidence in Mrs May, saying he has lost trust in her ability to deliver Brexit. The European Commission released its report as Dominic Raab made his first visit to Brussels as Brexit Secretary for talks with chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier. Mr Barnier said “we have a lot of work to do” in the 13 weeks until the October European Council meeting, including finalising the withdrawal agreement. He added: “It is a matter of urgency to agree a legally operative backstop for Ireland and Northern Ireland. We need an all-weather insurance policy.” Mr Raab said he was looking forward to getting stuck in “with renewed energy, vigour and vim” and to “making sure we are in the best position to get the best deal”.