UK’s secret £75m plan to hire ten cross-Channel ships to beat French ‘No Deal’ blockade

MINISTERS are poised to spend £75million securing ten cross-Channel ferries to thwart Brexit chaos.

The Government fears French blockades at Calais in the event of No Deal.

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But secret plans drawn up by a cross-Whitehall committee would see the Department for Transport underwrite the running costs of ten ferries for a year at £7.5million each.

They could then go to Dutch or Belgian ports instead of Calais, with officials choosing which trucks sailed on them.

It comes amid threats from France to trigger chaos at ports if talks collapse, with Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab warning of a “go slow” plot.

If ferries are stuck the Government loses money. But the plans would see takings split between Whitehall and the operating companies.

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One source on the Inter Ministerial Group for Borders Planning said: “We could make a profit and screw over the French. Tell me what the downside is?”

The move was welcomed by experts, although they warned the Calais route should stay open.

UK Chamber of Shipping boss Bob Sanguinetti said: “There is nothing to be gained by seeing these existing trade links diminished.”

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But Labour’s Jo Stevens warned: “The Government having to spend £75million just to keep cross-channel ferries going shows what chaos is ahead.”

Mr Raab said last week “all possible contingencies” were being considered to “ensure businesses and livelihoods are safeguarded”.