British military opens no-deal Brexit nerve centre
The UK MoD has started up a no-deal Brexit operations centre in a nuclear-bomb-proof bunker in central London, a spokesperson told AFP on 21 March.
'It's a team that's ready to support any action if it becomes necessary,' the spokesperson said, adding that the new centre has 'all the right infrastructure'.
'As we get closer to a theoretical or possible no-deal, this is the place where the response could be coordinated,' the spokesman said.
The MoD in December 2018 said 3,500 military personnel would be on stand-by to help government departments for 'any contingencies' in case of a no-deal outcome.
The spokesman said those troops were now 'at readiness'.
The military's crisis management operation for a no-deal Brexit, which is dubbed Operation Redfold, was activated at the beginning of this week.
The bunker is underneath the MoD main building in Whitehall (pictured) and is the facility used in times of national emergency, British media reported.
Military personnel could be used to help transport food, fuel and other goods into and around the country in case of delays at the border, the reports said.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
-
![US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry]()
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
