A consultant neurologist who helped the Government plan for a no-deal Brexit today confronted Jacob Rees-Mogg over concerns the mortality rate could be affected if the UK crashes out of the EU.
Dr David Nicholl said he was involved in drafting the plans for mitigating a no-deal scenario in March, and Operation Yellowhammer — which revealed “worst-case scenario” preparations.
He called in to LBC radio to ask the Leader of the House of Commons what level of mortality rate he would be “willing to accept” in the event of a no-deal.
Questioned about why he thought people would die, Dr Nicholl said: “Because of all sorts of problems and there is issues of access to drugs, the issue of radioisotopes, they’ve already been highlighted.”
According to Government documents, drugs have been categorised by the expected impact of shortages and there are reserve plans to fly them in if necessary.
Mr Rees-Mogg said: “I don’t think there is any reason that a no-deal Brexit should lead to a mortality rate.”
He added plans were now being written by people who are “serious about mitigating rather than remoaners”.
