Government edits no deal documents to remove the word ‘unlikely’

The Brexit department confirmed it had stepped up ‘no deal’ planning by updating government advice to remove the claim it is an “unlikely” outcome.

A tranche of technical notices released by the government since the summer repeatedly claimed the chance of leaving the EU without an agreement was “unlikely”.

However, following Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, where ministers agreed to “ramp up” no deal preparations, the advice has been edited on dozens of the 108 documents.

Ministers also gave the green light to put 3,500 troops on standby and secure space on ferries for medical supplies to be imported in the care of no deal.

A spokesperson for the Brexit department said: “The language on gov.uk has been updated to reflect Tuesday’s cabinet decision to enact the remaining elements of our no deal preparations. We fully expect to get a deal and believe that is the most likely outcome – that is what we are focused on delivering.”

MPs will vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal in the week commencing January 14, and if it is defeated the possibility of the UK leaving the EU without an agreement ten weeks later will greatly increase.

In an attempt to stop that scenario, a cross-party group of MPs have tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill which would stop any money being released for no deal preparations without Parliament giving permission.