USE OF TROOPS IN THE EVENT OF THE UK LEAVING THE EU WITHOUT A DEAL

That this House notes the Secretary of State for Defence’s statement that 3,500 troops are on standby to deal with contingencies in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal; further notes that the Ministry of Defence has put in place the necessary order to enable the calling-up of reserves in this situation; expresses concern that the British Government has failed to provide details about its mission plan for such troops; notes with alarm claims in the Sunday Times that the British Government is discussing the imposition of martial law in the event of civil unrest; further notes that the last time states of emergency were declared in the UK was in the early 1970s to deal with the effects of strikes in essential services; believes that a democratic society is not a militarised society; and calls on the Secretary of State for Defence to rule out the use of armed forces personnel for police functions or for social control, and to make clear that the possibility of martial law is not under consideration.