What is Martial Law, has Theresa May declared it in the UK and what does this mean for Brexit?
AMID Brexit talks and negotiations, Theresa May is not planning on ruling out the idea of introducing Martial Law if there's a No Deal Brexit.
But what exactly is it and what does it mean for Brexit? Here's what we know.
What is Martial Law?
Martial law is the imposition of direct military control of the usual functions carried out by a government.
It is usually introduced for a limited period and often as a reaction to either an emergency, major disaster or invasion.
Often they are introduced after a coup d’etat or when a popular uprising threatens the established order.
Has Theresa May declared it in the UK?
Government officials have talked about introducing a state of emergency and even introducing MARTIAL LAW if there's a No Deal Brexit, it emerged today.
Theresa May could use sweeping powers to try and stop riots and uproar which some fear would occur in the event Britain left without a deal in March.
The news came as:
- MPs geared up for another Commons clash on Tuesday as Theresa May inches closer to getting her deal passed
- Philip May was said to have urged the PM to try to unite her party rather than reach out to Labour for a deal
- MPs face extra long days and even cancelling their next holiday break to get Brexit done on time
Yesterday the Cabinet Office had said the closest thing to a No Deal Brexit in recent times was the Iceland ash cloud chaos - and they should use that to help Britain prepare.
The paper said that Robert MacFarlane, the deputy director of the Civil Contingencies Secretariat, has been involved in discussions about the practicalities of implementing the 2004 act, according to sources within the Cabinet Office.
The Civil Contingencies law was brought in to deal with national emergencies like war and terrorism.
One source told the paper: "As no-deal preparations are accelerated and training is rolled out to civil servants, questions have been raised about the legislation and how it could be used in the event of a no-deal Brexit."
The law also allows government to change other laws to protect human life and make sure the public have access to money, good, water and fuel supplies.
Best for Britain supporter David Lammy MP said in response to the news: "This is a full-blown crisis. The government is recklessly drawing up plans for a colossal act of self-harm.
"Through continuing on the path to Brexit, despite having achieved no consensus on a deal in Parliament, the government is preparing to declare war on itself.
"The idea that the government has any mandate for this catastrophic scenario is ludicrous. The Leave campaign promised a stable new trading relationship with the EU after Brexit, not total isolation and soldiers in our airports."
A Downing Street spokesman said: “Respecting the referendum decision means leaving the EU.
"The prime minister has said there will be disruption in the event of no deal, but as a responsible government we are taking the appropriate steps to minimise this disruption and ensure the country is prepared."