Chris Grayling’s failings continue as tickets for ‘No Deal’ ships went on sale for March 30 — despite Theresa May asking for a Brexit delay

CHRIS Grayling’s ferry farce plunged new depths yesterday as tickets for ‘No Deal’ ships went on sale for March 30 – despite the PM’s request for a Brexit delay.

Key suppliers of NHS medicines, fuel additives and veterinary products were urged by Government departments to take slots on ferries put on by Britanny Ferries and DFDS.

The first boat is expected to run between Portsmouth and Le Havre next Saturday.

But sources admitted the ferries may run largely empty for three months – costing the Government millions - as the No Deal ‘cliff edge’ could be pushed back to June 30.

A Whitehall source admitted the Government may now be forced to sell freight capacity “back to the market” to recoup money.

Defending the chaos, they told The Sun the March 29 was still the legal default No Deal date.

They added the Government had to put contingency plans in place for all eventualities - “We have never needed nuclear bunkers but they are there for a reason.”

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling in December chartered extra ferries to relieve possible cross-Channel congestion caused by any new customs procedures between Calais and Dover.

The new routes would go through ports such as Poole, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Immingham with the contracts lasting six months.

Ministers were forced to hand over £33 million of taxpayers’ cash to Eurotunnel in an out of court settlement after ‘Le Shuttle’ operator sued the Government for being locked out of the negotiations.

Sources last weekend claimed a Brexit delay could cost the Government a further £28 million if the boats were cancelled until June.

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