Ministers set up 'secret database to monitor Brexit preparations'

Ministers have set up a secret database so they can track Brexit preparations being made across government departments.



The database will monitor the work being done, its priority level and if it is on track to be completed by March next year, when the UK will leave the EU.

The database contains 313 workstreams detailing the work that is being done on policies which had been built on an EU framework, such as aircrafts flying after Brexit, putting nuclear safeguards in place and creating a new farm subsidy system.

Other areas include planning for a post-Brexit immigration system and preparations for leaving the European Arrest Warrant.

However, the Government is refusing to release any details on the database and Labour is considering using parliamentary procedure to force ministers to release information.

Shadow Brexit minister, Paul Blomfield, said: “Once again the government has been caught out trying to cover up vital information about its approach to Brexit.

“Parliament has been very clear in its instruction to ministers: we need proper accountability and scrutiny at every stage of this process. It is not acceptable for ministers to withhold information that will affect our country’s future.

“MPs, on behalf of their constituents, need to know the implications of the choices the government is making.

“That is why Labour is putting government ministers on notice. If they don’t release this information to parliament as a matter of urgency then we will pursue them rigorously.”

Hilary Benn, chairman of the Brexit select committee, added: “The Government is failing to give Parliament and the British people the information we need to judge what kind of future agreement with the EU will be best for the economy and jobs.”

“They should tell us what these work streams are looking at and publish the results.”