No-deal Brexit: Government report predicts 9% hit to economy, food shortages and businesses going bust

The Government has published a grim assessment of the consequences of a no-deal Brexit. It includes a nine per cent long-term hit to the economy, food shortages and the possibility of companies going out of business. The document reveals the Government is behind schedule on almost a third of its “critical” contingency plans, and that there is no chance of the country being prepared if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 29 March. “Despite the steps being taken by Government to manage the negative effects of no deal, there are a number of areas where the impact on trade, businesses and individuals would be particularly significant,” it said. The document was published on Wednesday after demands from former Conservative MP Anna Soubry, who has left to join The Independent Group.