An investigation into the UK Government’s Brexit planning has concluded that “significant uncertainties” remain over what will happen at ports in a no-deal scenario.
A National Audit Office (NAO) report published today warns that there is “no way of knowing” what will happen at the border if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
The NAO found that the government’s “reasonable worst case” assumption is that the flow of goods across the Channel could be reduced to 40-60% of current levels on day one.
The Press and Journal revealed earlier this month how fishing industry bosses fear a no-deal will “break the backbone” of the sector, with capacity at continental ports potentially playing a major role.
The NAO report, which focused specifically on medicines, predicted that disputation could last up to 12 months and noted that, as of September 20, suppliers only had six weeks’ worth of medical supplies stockpiled.
Far North MP Jamie Stone said: “This report reveals just how damaging a no-deal Brexit would be for those who rely on regular medication coming from the EU.
“The vast majority of medicines in the UK rely on easy transportation across borders, something a no-deal Brexit would disrupt.
“The NAO confirms what the released Operation Yellowhammer papers have already shown, that the government is desperately underprepared and will be risking people’s access to vital medicines if they continue to refuse to take no-deal off the table.”
He added: “It is frankly appalling that Boris Johnson and his advisers are willing to risk people’s lives and livelihoods and are expecting the most vulnerable in society to pay the price for their rash decisions.
“More than ever we need to go back to the people for the final say on the Brexit shambles. It is time for a people’s vote with the option to stay in the EU.”
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We want to reassure patients we are doing everything necessary to make sure they can access the medicines they need after Brexit on 31 October, whatever the circumstances.
“As the NAO recognises, the Department of Health and Social Care, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers have mounted an unprecedented response in preparing for Brexit, with substantial stockpiles of medicines, which are increasing by the day.
“Combined with other measures, including new transport routes coming online shortly, we can help ensure patients continue to receive the highest quality of care in the same way they do now.”