Sputnik [1]
October 18, 2017
It has been suggested the British Army could be sent to police the UK’s borders in the event of a “no deal” Brexit – a prospect that could see a return of troops to Northern Ireland, recalling the dark days of the “Troubles.”
UK Home Office permanent secretary Philip Rutnam has suggested troops could patrol Britain’s borders as a “last resort” should the country exit the European Union without securing a deal.
Under questioning by the Commons Home Affairs Committee on whether the UK could sufficiently staff the borders in all possible outcomes of Brexit negotiations, Rutnam said it would be “unwise to rule anything out.”
Home Office Permanent Secretary Philip Rutnam says it would be unwise to rule out using troops to police the borders in a no-deal Brexit.
— Adam Bienkov (@AdamBienkov) October 17, 2017 [2]
”It seems clear to me any use of the military would be an absolute last resort. Our preference — strong preference — is to deal with the border and security needed at the border, through border force and that is the basis in which our planning is proceeding,” Rutnam said.
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