UK will spend what is needed to prepare for Brexit - No 10

The government will spend whatever is necessary to make sure the UK is ready for Brexit, Downing Street has said.

A No 10 spokesman said £250m of new money had been allocated this year to prepare for leaving the EU, "including the possibility of a no-deal scenario".

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Theresa May said "where money needs to be spent it will be spent".

Earlier, Chancellor Philip Hammond said funding for a no-deal plan would not happen "until the very last moment".

He suggested it was not wise to spend money - which could alternatively go to the NHS or schools - at this stage on an outcome which may or may not happen, merely to "send a message" to the EU.

In response, several Tory MPs have criticised the Treasury, one accusing it of "incompetence" and another suggesting the EU would not listen to the UK unless it was sure it was seriously preparing for the possibility of leaving in March 2019 without a negotiated agreement.

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