EU reveals no-deal Brexit plans

UK unveils immigration clampdown

FE Team | Published: December 19, 2018 21:14:57

BRUSSELS, Dec 19 (Agencies): The European Commission says it has started to implement its preparations for a no-deal Brexit - in case the UK crashes out of the EU without a plan.
It has announced temporary measures to try to reduce the impact, but said it cannot counter all the problems it expects.
As PM Theresa May's proposed exit plan flounders in parliament, both sides are preparing for the worst-case situation.
The UK has allocated £2bn ($2.5bn) in funding to government departments.
The European Commission's measures are designed to limit disruption in certain key areas, such as finance and transport, if Brexit goes ahead in March without a deal.
"These measures will not - and cannot - mitigate the overall impact of a 'no-deal' scenario," it said in a statement.
The commission's 14 barebones measures cover legislation that will aim to ensure some continuity.
They address eight sectors, taking in issues such as road transport and customs, and how flights can continue between the UK and EU.
The sectors also include data protection, animal health and plants, climate policy, key financial products and the rights of UK citizens living in the European Union.
Brussels says the arrangements will be strictly time-limited, lasting only for a few months and will be ended without any consultation with the UK.
BBC Europe editor Katya Adler says Brussels will be keen to point out that these proposals are not in the UK's favour.
They are to protect EU member states from the more catastrophic aspects of Brexit, if no deal is reached, our correspondent explains.
The European Commission's initial guidance on the issue was published in November.
It committed to publishing its draft version by the end of 2018, allowing for eight weeks of consultation, as required by EU treaties.
The issue is heating up because Mrs May's proposed deal, which was agreed with the EU, has so far failed to gain enough support in the UK parliament, which will vote on it next month.
The deadline for leaving is now 100 days away.
On Tuesday, the cabinet said it had decided to "ramp up" preparations for a no-deal Brexit.
The government has sent letters to 140,000 firms urging them to plan ahead, while 3,500 troops will be put on standby to maintain essential services.
It will also distribute 100-page information packs to businesses on Friday.
The UK is due to leave the EU on 29 March, two years after triggering an EU mechanism known as Article 50, which covers departure from the bloc.
Meanwhile, Britain publishes proposals for an EU immigration crackdown after Brexit on Wednesday as business groups warn the economy is not ready for Britain to crash out of the European Union without a divorce agreement in place.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said visas would be introduced for EU nationals arriving after Britain leaves the bloc and the new system would be based on skills, not nationality, putting EU and non-EU citizens on the same footing.