No-deal could be trigger for civil disorder, claims Javid
BRITAIN must prepare for possible civil disorder in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Sajid Javid suggested yesterday, amid reports that police are drawing up contingency plans in case there are shortages of food and medicine.
The Home Secretary said it was right to “prepare for all contingencies”, after a leaked document compiled by police set out the “real possibility” of calling on military assistance and preventing officers taking leave around the date of the UK’S withdrawal in March 2019.
The document prepared by the National Police Coordination Centre (NPOCC) warned of traffic queues at ports, with “unprecedented and overwhelming” disruption to road networks.
Mr Javid told the BBC’S The Andrew Marr Show: “I’m glad the police and other experts are looking into this and thinking what might happen in a nodeal scenario. I don’t expect a no-deal outcome – but we need to prepare for all contingencies.”
Asked if the UK could face civil disorder resulting in widespread unrest, Mr Javid said: “I think it is right that Government prepares for all possible outcomes.”
The leaked document obtained by The Sunday Times revealed that concerns around medical supplies could “feed civil disorder”. The potential for a restricted supply of goods raised concerns of “widespread protest that could then escalate into disorder”.
It could also trigger a rise in non-brexit-related acquisitive crime such as theft.
The document, set to be considered by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) later this month, sets out concerns about the potential for increased data costs for forces reliant on mobile communication. It also suggests disruption could last for three months either side of the March 29 point of withdrawal.
Chief constable Charlie Hall, NPCC lead for operations, said: “The police are planning for all scenarios that may require a police response in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
“We have no intelligence to suggest there will be an increase in crime or disorder. However, we remain vigilant, and will continue to assess any threats and develop plans accordingly.”