UK could introduce martial law if there is chaos after no-deal Brexit
- Curfews, travel bans, deployment of the army could be on the cards if there is widespread social unrest after Britain leaves the EU with no deal
British officials are looking at whether they might need sweeping powers, including the introduction of martial law, if there is disorder after Brexit, The Sunday Times newspaper reported.
There has been a discussion about using the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, which allows curfews, travel bans and the deployment of the army to quell any social unrest if Britain leaves the EU with no deal.
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The prime minister has said that there will be disruption in the event of no deal ... But as a responsible government we are taking the appropriate steps to minimise this disruption and ensure the country is prepared.”
At the same time, British MPs could sit longer hours and their February holiday may be scrapped as the government races to pass its Brexit legislation before Britain leaves the EU on March 29, Downing Street said on Sunday.
Prime Minister Theresa May’s government is looking at making the House of Commons sit on more Fridays – which it does not normally do – and extend debating time well into the evening on some days.
