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British government launches Brexit no-deal publicity blitz ahead of crucial Commons vote

Protesters outside Westminster in September last year (PA)
Protesters outside Westminster in September last year (PA)

The government is launching a publicity drive to prepare people for a no-deal Brexit, less than three three months before Britain is due to leave the European Union.

Whitehall departments and the health regulator will begin publishing guidance on how the public can get ready for potential issues if Britain leaves without a deal.

These include what to do about travelling in Europe and what kind of passport is needed in the event of a no-deal.

It will also tell what to do regarding medicine needs if Britain crashes out.

Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said broadcasts would be put on radio and social media to help people get ready.

Businesses will also be told how best to prepare for a potential no-deal.

The UK is due to leave the EU on March 29, but a deal has still not been finalised by Parliament.

Mr Barclay said that a no deal will be ‘far more likely’ if MPs reject the Prime Minister’s agreement when a crucial vote is held in the week beginning January 14.

‘The pace and intensity of the work we are doing reflects the potential scale of this disruption to people and businesses across the UK that a no-deal scenario could bring,’ the minister wrote in the Daily Express.

‘The Home Office will next week be publicising guidance on new passport rules for people travelling to many European countries.

‘These rules would mean some people have to renew their passport earlier than planned.

‘Advice is already available online and next week the Home Office will further publicise how to renew a passport as easily as possible.’

‘The Department for Transport is sharing guidance on how we will ensure people can continue to travel to the EU in the event of no deal, and today the medicines regulator has updated guidance to ensure regulatory processes for medicines, medical devices and clinical trials are fit for purpose.

‘And, on Tuesday, we will start a new phase in our public information campaign, using radio and social media to further raise awareness.’

Sinking hopes? Theresa may has still to convince MPs to back her controversial Brexit deal (PA)
Sinking hopes? Theresa may has still to convince MPs to back her controversial Brexit deal (PA)

Ministers have warned about the impact of a no-deal, but many Brexit supporters have accused of them of raising fears ahead of the crucial Commons vote.

Prime Minister Theresa May is desperately trying to get parliamentary support for the deal she has already agreed with Brussels, as well as further concessions.

However, her task still looks monumental when it comes to getting MPs to back her deal.

There is little sign that more than 100 Tory MPs who have pledged to vote against the EU deal have changed their minds.

And a former Brexit Secretary David Davis has urged Mrs May to pull the vote again. Last month It was delayed after the PM admitted she faced defeat.

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