Troops on the streets in ‘worst case’ plan for winter

EMERGENCY PLANS drawn up by the Government to protect the UK if a second coronavirus wave coincides with a no-deal Brexit include the possibility of power and petrol shortages and troops on the streets if the economic toll causes public disorder.

A Cabinet Office “reasonable worst-case scenario” document, leaked to The Sun newspaper, also warns the Navy may be needed to stop British fishermen clashing with illegal European fishing boat incursions.

It says parts of the UK may face power and petrol shortages if thousands of lorries are stranded in Dover, while shortages of medicines caused by port blockages could lead to animal diseases spreading through the countryside.

The classified document, dated July 2020, further warns that if trade restrictions triggered by a no-deal Brexit are combined with floods, flu and another coronavirus wave, then hospitals may be overwhelmed.

Town halls could go bust and troops may have to be drafted on to the streets if the economic toll causes public disorder, shortages and price hikes, according to the leaked dossier.

A Government spokeswoman said the document “reflects a responsible Government ensuring we are ready for all eventualities”.

UK and EU negotiators warned there has been little progress during the latest round of post-Brexit trade deal talk. Time is running out to broker a deal before the transition period ends at the end of the year. Scientists are fearful that the winter months could bring about a second wave of coronavirus in the UK.