Written question asked by Jonathan Edwards (Plaid Cymru) on Thursday, 14 February 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 February 2019 (named day). It was answered by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 February 2019 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Military Law

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has contingency plans to impose Martial law in the event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

Answer: 'Martial Law' is not a defined term in the UK and is not a phrase recognised in UK Policing doctrine. The Police are responsible for Public Order in the UK and the Ministry of Defence has no plans to utilise military personnel for public order in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Defence remains closely engaged with other Government departments on wider no-deal contingency planning and remains available to support the civil authorities if necessary.

Secondary information