Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Report Warns No-Deal Brexit Means Political Uncertainty

Henry Ridgwell

   LONDON - The British government announced Wednesday that it would spend
   an additional $2.4 billion on preparing to leave the European Union,
   bringing the total spent so far on Brexit readiness to more than $10
   billion.

   The extra investment comes as a coalition of opposition lawmakers
   attempts this week to pass legislation blocking a so-called no-deal
   Brexit, warning of catastrophic consequences for the British economy if
   it leaves the bloc without a withdrawal agreement.

   The European Union is also stepping up its preparations for a potential
   no-deal Brexit, announcingWednesday that it wouldrelease money to help
   member states from a fund normally reserved for natural disasters.

   "In order to be fully ready for an eventual no-deal Brexit we have made
   the necessary legislative proposals. Better safe than sorry," said
   European Commission spokeswoman MinaAndreeva.

   Separately, researchers from the "UK in a Changing Europe" program at
   Kings College London saidin a new report that a prolonged period of
   political uncertainty wouldfollow a no-deal Brexit, as a new
   relationship with the EU will have to be agreed to.

.