The government’s no-deal Brexit plans aren’t scary enough to satisfy Remainers

The government was always onto a loser whether or not it published the 24 technical notices laying out what would happen in the event of a no-deal Brexit. If it didn’t publish them it would be accused of a cover up. If it did and they were terrifying it would provide ammunition for the Remain brigade. And if it published them and they weren’t terribly frightening? Then Remainers would accuse ministers of having their heads in the sand.

The latter scenario is pretty much where we are today. There are few stand-out headlines from the 24 documents for anti-Brexit commentators to get their teeth into. The Financial Times website has chosen to lead on the advice that businesses which export to or import from the EU ought to consider hiring a customs agent – given that goods imported or exported freely under the single market would in future require a customs declaration, and for tariffs to be paid.