October 14, 2019

The document states that the Government would prefer to leave the EU with a deal, but that it is prepared to leave with no deal if necessary.

The Government notes that many of the Brexit preparations will be needed whether the UK leaves the EU with or without a deal. The Government says it is seeking a “best in class” free trade agreement with the EU, which will require the UK to make changes in many areas, regardless of whether the UK’s new relationship with the EU is agreed before or after Brexit.

The document is intended to update Parliament and the public on what will change if the UK leaves without a deal. It covers legislation, regulation and systems, the critical steps that the Government has taken and will continue to take, and the actions that businesses and citizens need to take to prepare. The document is not intended to be exhaustive, however, and notes that circumstances can change. It therefore advises businesses and citizens to continue to check for the most up-to-date detailed advice on GOV.UK.

The document covers inter alia:

• borders: the flow of trade at the UK/EU border and the changes that will affect customs, commercial transport and tariffs; and information and advice for traders and the wider border industry about the relevant action they will need to take;
• citizens: actions that EU citizens in the UK and UK nationals in the EU will need to take;
• data protection: actions the Government has taken to allow the free flow of personal data from the UK to the EU, noting that action is required by organisations in the EU and the UK in order to enable the continued flow of personal data from the EEA to the UK;
• services: the changes in regulations that would apply; the actions the Government has taken to support businesses; and the actions businesses should take to prepare;
• industry: the changes in relations that will apply; the actions the Government has taken to support industry; and the actions industry should take to prepare for a no deal, such as new product approvals and what manufactured goods they use as inputs as well as final products;
• public services and local authorities: the key changes required to support the delivery of public services; the actions the Government has taken to prepare local authorities and other public sector institutions; measures to ensure such organisations continue to receive supplies of critical goods, such as food and medical supplies; and the arrangements that the Government has put in place to support programmes that currently receive funding from the EU;
• Northern Ireland: the Government’s position in a number of areas relating to Northern Ireland; the intention to continue to uphold the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all circumstances; and the intention to maintain existing Common Travel Area arrangements and under no circumstances put in place infrastructure, checks or controls on the border with Ireland; and
• Operation Yellowhammer and security: an outline of Yellowhammer; and the contingency plans developed by the Government based on what might happen in a reasonable worst case scenario after leaving without a deal.

To access the document in full, click here.