They could be drafted to deliver food, medicine and fuel in the event of a post-Brexit emergency
The military could be mobilised if blockages at ports following Brexit lead to supply shortages, according to the Sunday Times.
The civil service’s planning for the eventuality of a “no deal” Brexit also includes the possibility of army vehicles, such as helicopters and trucks, being used to deliver medicines to vulnerable people living in areas outside the south-east of England, it is reported.
According to a Sunday Times source at the MOD, “no formal request” has been received for aid, but they added the department does have “a blueprint for us supporting the civilian authorities that can be dusted off”.
The news comes after Brexit secretary Dominic Raab refused to be drawn last week on whether the country was stockpiling food in the event of a “no deal” scenario, only to later issue a statement saying there would be “adequate food supply” if the UK left the European Union.
Health secretary Matt Hancock also said last week that he had met with medical industry leaders to “accelerate” preparations for a “no deal” exit from the EU on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms.
Speaking at the Health Select Committee on Tuesday, he said: “Any responsible government needs to prepare for a range of outcomes, including the unlikely scenario of a no-deal
“We are working right across Government to ensure that the health sector and the industry are prepared and that people’s health will be safeguarded in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
“This includes the chain of medical supplies, vaccines, medical devices, clinical consumables, blood products.
“And I have asked the department to work up options for stockpiling by industry.”
