Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many officials from his Department have been seconded from their primary role to make preparations for the UK leaving the EU without a deal; and if he will make a statement.
It is the top priority of the Government to leave the EU with a deal, but it is also the responsibility of Government to prepare for all scenarios, including the prospect of a no deal. The Civil Service is focused on delivering the Government's most pressing priorities, so it is only sensible that we make use of the resources and expertise we have available to make sure the UK is prepared for all Brexit scenarios on exit day. This includes Departments sharing staff and working together on joint projects. The number of staff being seconded from the Ministry of Defence as part of a coordinated exercise is yet to be determined.