POLICE Scotland is preparing for disruption sparked by food and medicine shortages as a political storm brews over the prospect of a return to rationing in Brexit Britain.
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone confirmed that his officers stand ready to respond to disruption to food and pharmaceutical supply chains, and help other forces protect the borders in Northern Ireland, Dover, sea ports and airports.
His warning comes after the UK Government appointed a minister to oversee the protection of food supplies for the first time since the Second World War.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the appointment exposes the “shambolic” handling of Brexit and said Tory Brexiters should be the first to bear the brunt “if there ever comes a day when there is food rationing in this country”.
But the Conservatives last night said her comments amounted to “disgraceful scaremongering”.
Police forces throughout the UK are coordinating joint-contingency planning for a no deal Brexit, but Mr Livingstone confirmed they still have no idea how much it’s going to cost.
The Chief Constable is seeking an assurance from the Treasury that Scotland’s cash-strapped force will receive full compensation for additional costs and mutual aid.
Mr Livingstone told the Scottish Police Authority Board that he does not have “exact clarity” on the cost of policing Brexit.
“It is a concern and an issue which I have discussed with colleagues in the Scottish Government and the SPA,” he told an SPA board meeting in Stirling.
“I am aware that the Cabinet Office is coordinating the UK Government response.
“The Treasury, I am told, has developed a contingency fund for the potential cost of a no deal Brexit or a contested Brexit arrangement.
“Such matters would clearly involve the potential provision of mutual aid from Police Scotland to colleagues in Northern Ireland, where there may be pressure in regard to the common travel area and the land border that they have with the south.
“There is potential disruption to food and pharmaceutical supply chains, potential disruption to seaports and airports.
“Clearly the links from the south east of England through Kent and elsewhere may also create some pressures.
“So, in that regard, we as the second largest police service in the UK stand ready to provide any mutual aid that may be required, while at the same time ensuring that we address any vulnerabilities and threat to our own country.
“That is the reason we need UK wide coordination. This is the UK that is leaving its treaty obligations that it has previously entered, and therefore the implications will be felt throughout the UK, at the same time recognising the very different legal system that exist in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
“Cost has not been confirmed. It is a focus of mine. I will continue to link in with UK police chief colleagues.
“I’m in Cardiff next week for a further meeting of UK police chiefs, where Brexit planning around that and indeed cost recovery will feature in our discussions.
“It is very much in the forefront of my mind, it’s not stopping the work that we need to do, but it is absolutely legitimate that we consider where some of those costs are recovered from.”
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Ms Sturgeon said the appointment of a minister to protect food supplies should give everyone in the UK a pause for thought.
“The Tories’ stewardship of Brexit and the UK as a whole is proving so catastrophic that they have had to appoint a minister for food supplies, which is the first time that such a post has been held since world war two,” she said.
“How has it come to this situation? It is shameful, and it should be a source of shame for a long time to come for every member of the Conservative Party.
“I certainly hope that it will not come to food rationing in this country.
“Things are becoming so shambolic that it is time to draw a halt to this Brexit catastrophe.
“If there ever comes a day when there is food rationing in this country because of a Tory Brexit, perhaps the first people who should bear the burden of that are Boris Johnson, Jacob Rees-Mogg, David Davis and Michael Gove—all people who perpetrated a dishonesty on the people of this country.
“We will see how they enjoy their Brexit bonanza.”
“Clearly the links from the south east of England through Kent and elsewhere may also create some pressures.
“So, in that regard, we as the second largest police service in the UK stand ready to provide any mutual aid that may be required, while at the same time ensuring that we address any vulnerabilities and threat to our own country.
“That is the reason we need UK wide coordination. This is the UK that is leaving its treaty obligations that it has previously entered, and therefore the implications will be felt throughout the UK, at the same time recognising the very different legal system that exist in Scotland and Northern Ireland.”
“Cost has not been confirmed. It is a focus of mine.”
The Government revealed that they had – earlier this month – appointed MP David Rutley, a former Asda and PepsiCo executive, to oversee the protection of food supply through the Brexit process.
The MP for Macclesfield said: “I am determined to ensure that we fully realise the opportunities of leaving the EU.
“Working closely with Farming Minister George Eustice, I look forward to championing the very best British food and drink and helping the industry to lead the world and boost experts further.”
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Ms Sturgeon said the appointment of a minister to protect food supplies should give everyone in the UK a pause for thought.
“The Tories’ stewardship of Brexit and the UK as a whole is proving so catastrophic that they have had to appoint a minister for food supplies, which is the first time that such a post has been held since World War Two,” she said.
“How has it come to this situation? It is shameful, and it should be a source of shame for a long time to come for every member of the Conservative Party.
“I certainly hope that it will not come to food rationing in this country.
“Things are becoming so shambolic that it is time to draw a halt to this Brexit catastrophe.
“If there ever comes a day when there is food rationing in this country because of a Tory Brexit, perhaps the first people who should bear the burden of that are Boris Johnson, Jacob Rees-Mogg, David Davis and Michael Gove – all people who perpetrated a dishonesty on the people of this country. We will see how they enjoy their Brexit bonanza.”
Last night, Adam Tomkins, Scottish Conservative shadow constitutional secretary, said: “We know there may be some disruption due to Brexit and it is right that Police Scotland prepares for this.
“The First Minister’s mention of rationing is nothing short of disgraceful scaremongering.
“As the government of Scotland the SNP’s role should be to constructively engage in preparations for Brexit.
“Once again it is glaringly obvious that the SNP has every intention of furthering its own agenda and no intention of working on behalf of the people of Scotland.”
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