The Cabinet Office even warns of the risk of a “failure” in chemical supplies, undermining Boris Johnson’s
boast that “there will be clean drinking water, whatever the deal we do”.
Significantly, the documents set out the most likely consequences of a crash-out Brexit on 31 October,
rather than worst-case scenarios.
Border delays could “affect fuel distribution”, with delays of up to two and a half days for lorries and
significant disruption lasting up to three months.
Medical supplies will “be vulnerable to severe extended delays” as three-quarters of the UK’s medicines
enter the country via the main Channel crossings.
The Liberal Democrats said the documents, leaked to The Sunday Times, revealed that a no-deal Brexit had
“wartime implications, in peacetime, all of them self-inflicted”.
“People will be horrified that Boris Johnson and the Conservatives are willing to pursue a plan that will lead
to shortages of medicines, food and fuel,” said Tom Brake, the party’s Brexit spokesman.
The Operation Yellowhammer file warns that efforts to avoid the return of a hard border in Ireland are
likely to prove “unsustainable”, with “significant economic, legal and biosecurity risks” that would require
checks.
“Disruption to key sectors and job losses are likely to result in protests and direct action with road
blockages,” it concludes.
Other official warnings include:
Up to 85 per cent of lorries using the main Channel crossings “may not be ready” for French customs –
with flows only at 50-70 per cent of the current rate even after three months.
The closure of oil refineries, with 2,000 job losses, widespread strike action and disruptions to fuel
availability.
Passenger delays at EU airports, as well as at Eurotunnel services from London’s St Pancras station and at
Dover.
The availability of fresh food will be reduced and prices will rise. This could hit “vulnerable groups”.
Potential clashes between UK and European Economic Area fishing vessels amid predictions that 282
ships will sail in British waters illegally on Brexit day.
Protests across the UK, which may “require significant amounts of police resource[s]”.
Rising costs will hit social care, with “smaller providers impacted within 2-3 months and larger providers
4-6 months after exit”.
A senior Whitehall source told The Sunday Times: “This is the most realistic assessment of what the public
face with no deal. These are likely, basic, reasonable scenarios – not the worst case.”
However, despite the fact they are official documents, Kwasi Kwarteng, the energy minister, said: “There is
a lot of scaremongering around. A lot of people are playing into project fear.”
He also claimed: “We will be fully prepared to leave without a deal on 31 October.”