Preparations for no-deal Brexit ‘are reassuring’

The British public should take “reassurance and comfort” from government preparations for a no-deal Brexit, Theresa May has said after ministers suggested food and medicines would be stockpiled in case of shortages.

In an interview yesterday, the Prime Minister did not deny stockpiling is happening, but said the government is being “responsible and sensible” while still trying to get a good deal with the EU.

It came after Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPS on Tuesday he had asked officials to “work up options for stockpiling” by the pharmaceutical industry, and Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab said the government would also take steps to ensure an “adequate food supply”.

Irish deputy prime minister 0 Theresa May: Government is being responsible and sensible

Simon Coveney had earlier said he does not believe Britain “can afford a no-deal Brexit”, and hit out at “bravado” from Brexiteers who claim such a scenario would be acceptable.

Mrs May said: “Far from being worried about preparations we are making, I would say that people should take reassurance and comfort from the fact the government isworking for a good deal.”