Martial law could even be considered, according to reports
Britain is reportedly making plans to declare a “state of emergency” and introduce martial law in the event of disorder breaking out following a No Deal Brexit.
The report comes from an article on the front page of this weekend’s Sunday Times. The newspaper states that according to officials, Cobra will be able to deploy armed forces in order to control rioting.
Hello small paragraph on the right-hand side of The Sunday Times front page.
Introduction of martial law after a No Deal Brexit. pic.twitter.com/CyNGGtYnpa
— Roland Smith (@rolandmcs) January 26, 2019
Unter the 2004 Civil Contingencies Act, powers including curfews, bans on travel and confiscation of property would also be available to control disturbances.
Any act of parliament, excluding the Human Rights Act, can also be suspended for up to 21 days.
The UK is due to leave the EU at 11pm on March 29th. Following the defeat of Theresa May’s proposed deal, there have been continued calls from the prime minister to take the prospect of leaving without a deal off the table.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has refused to enter talks with May until a No deal is ruled out.
Reports on Sunday say that MPs will have to work extra hours in order to make sure legislation is passed before the leave, and the traditional February week’s break could be suspended.
