UK Faces Dire Shortages With Brexit: Reuters

Trade has represented more than half of the United Kingdom’s GDP since 2005, reports the World Bank. Leaked government documents suggest that the country will contend with dire shortages of essential goods by leaving the European Union without a trade deal. Government officials suggest the country is preparing for the worst-case scenario. “Setting out a vision of jammed ports, public protests and widespread disruption, the paper said the forecasts compiled by the Cabinet Office set out the most likely aftershocks of a no-deal Brexit rather than the worst-case scenarios,” reports Reuters. The European Union negotiated a withdrawal agreement with former Prime Minister Theresa May and declines reopening negotiations with current leader Boris Johnson. “The United Kingdom is heading towards a constitutional crisis and a showdown with the EU as Johnson has repeatedly vowed to leave the bloc on Oct. 31 without a deal unless it agrees to renegotiate the Brexit divorce.” Brexit opponents in Parliament, representing a majority of members but split among political parties, explore maneuvers t to block withdrawal to challenging Johnson’s government, including legislation and a no-confidence vote. Parliament returns to session September 3. – YaleGlobal