No-deal Brexit: These are the Government’s ‘priority’ imports Importing fresh food through the port of Dover would only be the Government’s third highest priority in the event of […]

Importing fresh food through the port of Dover would only be the Government’s third highest priority in the event of a no-deal Brexit later this year, it has emerged.

Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay confirmed that life-saving drugs and medical devices used by the NHS would take precedence over food, followed by parts for nuclear power plants.

“We’re acutely aware that it’s essential we maintain the flow of medicines” The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Steve Barclay MP

The details emerged days before Boris Johnson is expected to be named as the UK’s next Prime Minister, having run on a promise of leaving the EU on 31 October if no agreement is reached.

According to the Sunday Times, he was left “visibly shaken” after being briefed last week by civil servants who told him to expect public unrest if he follows through on his threat.

In a meeting with Sir Mark Sedwill, the head of the civil service, Mr Johnson also said he wanted to launch an advertising campaign to ensure businesses are prepared for a no-deal Brexit.

The newspaper reported that ministers have prepared a list of priority goods to be imported through key ports following such a scenario, with chemicals to purify drinking water only coming fifth.

Further contingency planning provides for 8,500 troops to be deployed to deal with transport blockages and possible civil unrest, with Ministry of Defence staff trained to deal with traffic jams and tailbacks at ports.

Mr Barclay said it was no great “revelation” that ministers had drawn up a list of the most important items, pointing out that it was also in the EU’s interests to maintain a smooth flow for UK exports.

Business fears

“Category one goods first and foremost start with medicines, there’d be some Defra [food] products as well,” he told Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme.

“A huge amount of work has gone in via the Department of Health and Social Care on that, working with the pharmaceutical industry, and we’re in very good shape.

“We’re acutely aware that it’s essential we maintain the flow of medicines.”

He also confirmed that Mr Johnson wanted to focus on preparing the UK’s small businesses for a possible no-deal Brexit as until now many had assumed it would not happen.

The Brexit Secretary admitted that no-deal scenario would be “disruptive” but downplayed a suggestion by Chancellor Philip Hammond that it could cost the Exchequer up to £90bn.

He said this figure related to a Treasury forecast for 2035, 15 years after the end of the planned Brexit implementation period, and also assumed no action on the part of the Government.

“As the Chancellor knows and as I know, there are teams currently working in the Treasury on exactly what options we will take if we were in the position of a no-deal outcome,” he added.

“The reality is a no-deal would be disruptive but we’ve got over 300 teams across Whitehall working on our preparations.”