A cache of leaked Government documents outline the bleak situation the UK faces in the event of no-deal exit from the EU, with chaos, delays, shortages and shutdowns all predicted.

The port of Dover

The Sunday Times has revealed that the documents were compiled this month by the Cabinet Office under the codename Operation Yellowhammer.

They set out the most likely impact of a no-deal Brexit rather than worst-case scenarios.

Among the most concerning expected outcomes the paper revealed were:

• Border delays could 'affect fuel distribution', potentially disrupting the fuel supply in London and the southeast of England
• Up to 85% of lorries using the main Channel crossings 'may not be ready' for French customs and so face delays of up to two and a half days
• Significant disruption at ports will last up to three months before the flow of traffic 'improves' to 50-70% of the current rate
• Petrol import tariffs, which the government has set at 0%, will 'inadvertently' lead to the closure of two oil refineries, 2,000 job losses, widespread strike action and disruptions to fuel availability
• Passenger delays at EU airports, St Pancras, Eurotunnel and Dover
• Medical supplies will 'be vulnerable to severe extended delays' as three-quarters of the UK’s medicines enter the country via the main Channel crossings
• The availability of fresh food will be reduced and prices will rise. This could hit 'vulnerable groups'

The papers also predict rising public discontent could result in demonstrations and protests and possibly civil unrest

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