UNITED KINGDOM
The former head of the United Kingdom’s Public Service says the consequences of a withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit) without a deal in place would be so grave Parliament would have to consider whether it should go ahead.
Lord Kerslake (pictured) said that at the very least the Article 50 process, under which the UK is set to leave the bloc on 29 March next year, would have to be paused.
“In those circumstances, the European Commission would almost certainly insist on some ‘re-examination’ of the original decision to leave,” Lord Kerslake said.
His comments came as the Government prepared to publish a series of technical notes on preparations for a no-deal Brexit across dozens of areas of British life, from farming to financial services.
Lord Kerslake said the measures were “too little, too late” and the Government had not allowed the Public Service enough time to prepare for such an outcome.
“If the Government can negotiate a good deal, then so be it,” he said.
“But if they can’t and we end up in this position, then we have to reopen the question of whether we go forward with Brexit at all. It is not too late to do that.”
Co-chair of the pro-Brexit Leave Means Leave campaign group, Richard Tice said people up and down the country would be furious if Public Servants and the Government deliberately ignored the will of the people.
London, 19 August, 2018
