The publication of the Operation Yellowhammer papers that detail the worst case planning scenario for No Deal Brexit has shown why it is essential that Parliament sits in order to scrutinise Government plans. The papers detail food shortages, long term shortages of medicines, rising prices and potential rioting.

The papers can be read here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/831199/20190802_Latest_Yellowhammer_Planning_assumptions_CDL.pdf

I wrote to our MP, Robert Buckland QC, to ask him to push to prevent the prorogation of Parliament. He published his response- a generic line from the Government- online, and both letters are posted here.

A No Deal Brexit will not be simply a ‘bump in the road’, it will mean some of life’s daily basics soaring in price: food and electricity for a start.

No responsible government can allow this to happen. The Prime Minister is not negotiating in order to secure the best deal for the UK- his own former minister, Amber Rudd, said that there is minimal or no effort being put into negotiations. Any deal he comes back with must be scrutinised by Parliament, as must the contingency plans for No deal. Neither can happen while Parliament is prorogued.

The Government is currently acting without accountability, and according to the Scottish courts, illegally. Any MP, or indeed minister, with a shred of respect for public accountability must demand that Parliament is recalled now to sit until Brexit day on 31st October.