U.K. ramping up ‘no-deal’ Brexit preparations

LONDON — Britain’s government ramped up preparations Tuesday for the possibility that the country could leave the European Union in 101 days without a divorce deal — putting soldiers on standby and warning thousands of businesses and millions of households to get ready for the worst.

With the country’s departure set for March 29, it remains unclear whether British lawmakers will approve the divorce agreement that Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative government has negotiated with the EU.

The alternative, a “no-deal” Brexit, risks plunging the British economy into recession and touching off chaos at the borders.

“The government’s priority remains to secure a deal, but we need to recognize with 14 weeks to go, that a responsible government is preparing for the eventuality that we leave without a deal,” Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said.

Members of May’s Cabinet agreed to activate all the government’s no-deal plans and advised the public to prepare for disruptions. Ministers insisted the steps were sensible.

“Just because you put a seatbelt on doesn’t mean that you should crash the car,” Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd said.

Some 3,500 troops will be on standby to help deal with any disruptions, Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson said. The contingency plans also call for public service announcements to guide individuals on issues ranging from bank card payments in the EU to traveling with pets.

Businesses will receive a 100plus page online package to help them get ready. Emails to 80,000 of the most likely to be affected companies will be sent over the next few days.

The British government has already published dozens of papers advising of possible “no-deal” disruptions to the economy and daily life.