'No Plans To Involve The Army' In Case Of No-Deal Brexit, Says No 10

Soldiers join police officers on Whitehall, London, after the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017. (Picture: PA).

There are "no plans to involve the Army" in case of a no-deal Brexit scenario, the Prime Minister's spokesman has said.

The spokesman played down reports that the military had been put on stand-by and added that the plans are aimed at ensuring an "orderly" Brexit even if there is no agreement with Brussels.

He said: "We have been absolutely clear that it's in the interests not just of ourselves but the EU to get a deal.

"In the event of no-deal there will of course be consequences for the European Union."

Forces News James Hirst reports from Westminster:

The Prime Minister is on holiday in the Italian Lakes, leaving her de facto deputy David Lidington as the senior Government figure in the UK.

Asked if Theresa May would continue to lead the country if her negotiations fail and the UK is plunged into a no-deal scenario, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said she is "fully committed to delivering on the will of the British people".

Ministers have confirmed efforts to stockpile medicines and ensure an "adequate" food supply if there is a no-deal Brexit.

But Brexiteers have criticised the approach, insisting that, while preparations must be made to show Brussels that the UK could cope without a deal, the plans should not mark a return to the referendum campaign's "Project Fear".

Dozens of technical notices setting out what businesses and concerned citizens need to do are expected to be published in August and September.