Operation Yellowhammer prepares for Brexit no deal

Tue,12 March 2019
News Equality & Rights

Preparing for and responding to short-term disruption arising from a no deal exit is a significant challenge.

This National audit office briefing describes the Civil Contingencies Secretariat's contingency preparations for the UK exiting the EU without a deal.

The Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS) sits within Cabinet Office and aims to increase UK government’s ability to respond to and recover from civil emergencies.

This briefing describes how the Civil Contingencies Secretariat is working with government departments to prepare for the potential disruption that may occur if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. This work is referred to by government as Operation Yellowhammer.

There are 12 Operation Yellowhammer areas of risk, including:

  • UK food and water supplies;
  • healthcare services; and
  • transport systems.

Government Departments are working on the basis of a reasonable worst case scenario which includes.

  • Delays at the border will mean significant reduction in flow of goods for up to six months.
  • A reduction in choice and availability of certain fresh food supplies.
  • The potential for price increases across utilities, food and fuel.