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A doctor who advised the government on the impacts of a no deal Brexit has said body bags are being stockpiled over concerns there could be an increased mortality rate.

Neurologist David Nicholl, who helped draft the Operation Yellowhammer report on medicine shortages, told the Victoria Derbyshire show that people who support no deal "need to be aware of the harm".

He said: "You are trying to make a choice between life-threatening and morbidity. Ultimately, I am trying to make a choice that people are not going to die. But they are going to suffer."

The doctor said he spoke out after becoming increasingly worried about some the details of the report.

Conservative MP Martin Vickers disputed the claims saying: "I don't accept that that a no deal Brexit is going to bring about a great mortality rate. For the past three years we have been planning for a possible no deal Brexit. Detailed planning has been going on with the health service and health lobbies over many years.

"We are taking these concerns very seriously."

Jacob Rees-Mogg has also criticised the doctor saying nobody would die if the UK crashes out of the EU on October 31, and accused the doctor of the "worst excess of Project Fear". You can follow the latest Brexit updates here .

Dr Nicholl said people could die because of potential problems with access to drugs and radioactive isotopes in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Mr Rees-Mogg said there were "reserve plans to fly drugs in if necessary".

He said: "This is a major focus of Government policy. I think it's deeply irresponsible, Dr Nicholl, of you to call in and try to spread fear across the country.

"I think it's typical of Remainer campaigners and you should be quite ashamed, I'm afraid."

In reply, Dr Nicholl said: "My conscience is clear that I did the right thing."

(Image: Getty Images)

Former Health Minister Stephen Hammond had revealed in the past that the Government were stockpiling body bags as well as numerous medical supplies, vaccines and blood products as part of their preparations.

The Department of Health has said they are doing "everything possible" to prepare for Brexit.

A statement said: "We should be fully prepared for leaving on October 31 whatever the circumstances. We are taking all appropriate steps meaning our plans should continue the supply of medicines and medical products remain uninterrupted when we leave the EU."