Martial law must be ruled out – Plaid Cymru

DEPLOYING soldiers on the streets and imposing martial law in the wake of a no-deal Brexit must be ruled out Plaid Cymru is urging.

The party said it’s “both absurd and terrifying in equal measure” that the Government is even considering these options as it makes preparations for a no deal Brexit.

Whitehall officials are examining how to use the powers available under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 to quell any civil disobedience which results from no deal.

According to the Sunday Times, these powers can include curfews, travel bans, confiscation of property and deployment of the armed forces to combat rioting.

Plaid Cymru MP Jonathan Edwards is working with campaigners to try to stop the deployment of troops on the streets post-Brexit.

Working with the Peace Pledge Union, Mr Edwards has tabled an early day motion calling for the Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, to rule out the use of armed forces personnel for police functions or for social control, and to make clear that the imposition of martial law is not under consideration.

Mr Edwards also tabled a series of questions to the Mr Williamson seeking to clarify whether he has any plans to impose martial law and if he will rule out the use of troops on the streets in place of police.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “There are no plans to utilise defence resources for public order in the event of a no-deal Brexit.”