Brexit: Resolving no-deal risks at UK borders may be ‘out of government’s control’, watchdog says

Ministers have run out of time to prepare the UK border for a no-deal Brexit as resolving risks of organised crime and disruption may now be “out of the government’s control”, the spending watchdog has warned.

With only two weeks until the Brexit deadline, the National Audit Office (NAO) found the “most significant risks” remain unresolved, despite concerted efforts to prepare for a chaotic departure.

The critical report said the government had admitted the border would be “less than optimal” for a period of time, with potential disruption to the flow of goods and concerns that rogue operators could dodge tax and regulatory checks.

The Whitehall spending watchdog also hammered home that organised criminals “would quickly exploit any perceived weaknesses, gaps or inconsistencies in the enforcement regime”.

The report said: “The most significant risks to the operation of the border remain, namely business readiness, EU member states imposing controls, and arrangements for the Northern Ireland and Ireland land border.

“Although the government has actions under way to influence these, mitigating these risks is now, to some extent, out of its control.”

The NAO said that the government’s worst case plans state that flow of good across the Channel “could initially be reduced to 45-65 per cent, taking up to 12 months to flow normally”.

It also warned that many border arrangements for a no-deal are “temporary and not sustainable in the longer-term”.

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: “Preparing the UK border for EU exit with or without a deal is extremely complex and has required a huge amount of work from many government departments, agencies and third parties such as traders.

“Despite their efforts, significant risks remain which may have consequences for the public and businesses.

“Government will face new challenges in monitoring and responding to any disruption that may ensue following a no deal exit, and will need to replace temporary measures with sustainable long-term solutions to ensure the border is fit for purpose.”

Meg Hillier, Labour chair of the Public Accounts Committee, said the report “sheds a light on the lack of preparedness” by the government for a disorderly departure from the EU.

“It confirms that many traders and businesses will not be ready for new customs and regulatory controls and that organised criminals and others could exploit gaps,” she said.

“Issues around the land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland remain unresolved. Mitigating the risks could be outside of government’s control.”

Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake told The Independent: “This report demonstrates the mess the Conservative government have made out of Brexit.

“Whatever happens in the next few days, an extension to article 50 is vital. The Tories must focus on securing that.”

A government spokesperson said it was doing all it could to ensure “transition will be as smooth as possible for people and businesses” if there is a no-deal Brexit.

“This includes simplifying import processes, upgrading IT systems, securing additional freight capacity and putting traffic management plans in place around our busiest ports,” the spokesperson said.

“As the NAO says, many of the challenges that we may face if the UK leaves the EU without a deal require businesses and citizens to take action.

“That’s why we are running the largest communications campaign in recent UK history and providing targeted advice to help them get ready for Brexit on 31 October.”