Brexit Readiness: Operation Yellowhammer

Debate between Sharon Hodgson and Michael Gove

Wednesday 25th September 2019 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

My hon. Friend is a brilliant advocate for the fishing industry. It is the case that, in the event of a no-deal exit, we anticipate that we will be able to negotiate as an independent coastal state at the Fisheries Council in December 2019. It is also the case that, if we do leave without a deal on 31 October, we anticipate that the current level of access to particular stocks should be maintained in a continuity approach.

[Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland West) (Lab)]

In response to written questions, the Government had this to say in the event of a no-deal Brexit:

“A system of hardship payments, benefit advances and budgeting loans will be available for those who need them.”

Operation Yellowhammer warns of food and medicine shortages and soaring prices. That will drive thousands of the most vulnerable people in our society into debt—debt with loans—and despair. How will people qualify for these hardship payments and loans, and when will they be made available to them?

[Michael Gove]

It is important to make two points. The first is that Operation Yellowhammer, as I have pointed out, deals with a reasonable worst-case scenario for which mitigating steps have been taken since it was first drawn up. On the second point, of course Government and the Department for Work and Pensions always stand ready, in the event of any change in economic circumstances which has an adverse effect on vulnerable people, to step in and to help. None the less, the steps that we are taking in order to mitigate those impacts will, I hope, ensure that we do not need to intervene in that way.