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MoD sets up emergency bunker to cover no-deal Brexit

Published on: 17 Apr 2019

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has set up an emergency operations room in a bunker at Whitehall in order to coordinate operations in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Preparations are being run under the moniker Operation Redfold and have already involved 3,500 troops being readied to assist the government with any disruption following a no-deal departure from the European Union.

It is understood the command centre will become a base of operations to deal with requests for MoD support, as well as for directing the troops in the same way that it was during the London 2012 Olympics.

According to the MoD, requests for help will be considered under the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) principles, whereby the military can be authorised to act when all other options have been discounted.

A BBC source said he has learned the MoD is "stepping up a gear" with its preparations "deep in the bowels" of its building.

The MoD has responded that it is "always willing to support wider government planning for any scenario".

Leaked papers recently seen by the Times have suggested there are fears Whitehall could be overwhelmed by a no-deal Brexit, with the government apparently admitting that it may have to engage in a 24/7 emergency approach for months after the EU divorce.

Defence minister Mark Lancaster announced in January that reserve military officers could be called up for a year of service to help with the response to such a scenario.