THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT has announced an extra £2.1 billion in funding to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
Newly appointed Chancellor Sajid Javid made the announcement yesterday, doubling Brexit funding this year.
A total of £1.1 billion is being provided to departments and devolved administrations to spend immediately with a further £1 billion held in reserve.
“With 92 days until the UK leaves the European Union it’s vital that we intensify our planning to ensure we are ready,” Javid said in a statement.
“We want to get a good deal that abolishes the anti-democratic backstop. But if we can’t get a good deal, we’ll have to leave without one. This additional £2.1 billion will ensure we are ready to leave on 31 October – deal or no deal.”
The extra funding will be used for border and customs operations, medical supplies, support for Britons living abroad as well as a nationwide an awareness campaign.
The Treasury has now allocated £6.3bn to prepare for a no-deal Brexit – including £4.2bn of funding for this financial year.
Since entering 10 Downing Street, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ramped up preparations for a no-deal exit from the EU.
On Sunday, Conservative MP Michael Gove said the British government is “operating on the assumption” that Britain will leave the EU without a deal on 31 October.
Meanwhile, voting in the Brecon and Radnorshire by-election takes place today.
Former Conservative MP Chris Davies was unseated following a recall petition after he pleaded guilty to Parliamentary expenses fraud. Despite his conviction, the Conservatives have re-selected him as the party’s candidate in the key by-election.
Should the Conservatives lose the Brecon set, it will cut their working majority in the House of Commons to one.
Six candidates are running in today’s by-election with Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds the favourite to take the seat.
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