A no deal Brexit would be a disaster for the city, say Lib Dems

The consequences of a no-deal Brexit to the Gloucester public have been laid bare, according to the Liberal Democrats.

Government documents reveal there would be major hold-ups at channel ports, significant electricity price increases, shortages of some foods, delays to medicine imports and public disorder.

HGV delays of between one-and-a-half and two-and-a-half days would occur at Dover and public disorder could increase.

It outlines a series of "reasonable worst case assumptions" for the impact of a no-deal Brexit on October 31.

The Government sought to resist the publication of the Operation Yellowhammer document, but lost a vote in the Commons on Monday, prior to the suspension of Parliament, compelling it to do so.

The six-page document, which is dated August 2, says: "There are likely to be significant electricity (price) increases for consumers."

It adds: "Protests and counter-protests will take place across the UK and may absorb significant amounts of police resource.

"There may also be a rise in public disorder and community tensions."

The document also says: "Low-income groups will be disproportionately affected by any price rises in food and fuel."

Dr Rebecca Trimnell, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Gloucester, said: "The scenarios outlined by Operation Sledgehammer are deeply worrying for the city.

"A no deal Brexit risks food shortages, electricity price increases and problems with medicine imports. There could also be civil disorder on the streets.

"Operation Yellowhammer also says that the poorest in society will be 'disproportionately affected' by any price rises in food and fuel.

"And despite this Boris Johnson and his friends in Vote Leave are desperate to push Britain off a cliff edge on October 31.

"The Liberal Democrats have been warning for three years of the dangers of a no deal Brexit - yet this has been dismissed time and time again as 'Project Fear'.

"It isn't Project Fear at all. What it is, is very, very concerning and risks causing real long-term damage to Gloucester and some of its most vulnerable residents.

"No wonder many people who voted to leave in the referendum in 2016 have changed their minds."