The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, Dominic Raab MP, delivered a speech setting out the responsible, sensible approach we are taking.
The notices being published over the next few weeks will be providing further information on our plans for a range of exit scenarios in order to guide businesses and the public on how they can best prepare for our exit from the EU.
We firmly believe it is in the interests of both the EU and the UK to strike a deal. That remains the goal on both sides and we are confident that this will be achieved.
"We are stepping up the pace and intensity of our negotiations. I am confident a good deal is within our sights. That remains our top priority" Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Dominic Raab MP
But it is the job of a responsible Government to prepare for all scenarios, including the unlikely event that we reach March 2019 without agreeing a deal.
We recognise that in a ‘no deal’ scenario, business and citizens would need time to prepare themselves. These notices - and the significant ‘no deal’ preparations we have already carried out - assist this. This does not reflect an increased likelihood of ‘no deal’.
"In the notices, we set out clear steps that public institutions, companies and people should consider taking, in order to avoid or mitigate the risk of any potential short-term disruption. Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Dominic Raab MP
Our objective is to minimise disruption by taking unilateral action to prioritise continuity and stability, wherever possible and appropriate to do so.
"We need to have a sensible, responsible and realistic conversation about what a 'no deal' situation means in practice. For citizens, businesses, public sector bodies and NGOs, and we need to take further steps now,so that we can avoid or mitigate those risks. Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Dominic Raab MP
We do not want or expect a no deal scenario. As a result of the significant progress made in negotiations, we remain confident we will agree a mutually advantageous deal with the EU.
I remain confident a good deal is within our sights, and that remains our top and overriding priority. If the EU responds with the level of ambition and pragmatism, we will strike a strong deal that benefits both sides. Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Dominic Raab MP