The government has issued a series of documents that describe, in great detail, the consequences that we will likely face in the event that we leave the EU with no agreement on our future trading relationship after 29 March 2019.

The full text can be examined here.

The various reports cover the following areas:

1. Overview
2. Applying for EU-funded programmes
3. Driving and transport
4. Farming
5. Handling civil legal cases
6. Importing and exporting
7. Labelling products and making them safe
8. Meeting business regulations
9. Money and tax
10. Personal data and consumer rights
11. Protecting the environment
12. Regulating energy
13. Regulating medicines and medical equipment
14. Regulating veterinary medicines
15. Satellites and space
16. Seafaring
17. State aid
18. Studying in the UK or the EU
19. Travelling between the UK and the EU
20. Workplace rights

Most businesses and UK residents would be affected to some degree if we leave the EU with no agreement and it would seem appropriate to at least avail yourself of the likely consequences. In certain circumstances contingency arrangements may need to be considered before 29 March 2019: for example, there are only a limited number of licenses available to hauliers for use in EU jurisdictions after we leave with no deal, and motorists may need to apply for an International Driving Permit.

Each publication carries the same introduction, that negotiations are progressing and there is every intention to achieve a mutually acceptable agreement on future trade such that most of the issues raised in the above announcement will not be applicable. However, prudence would dictate that as we get closer to 29 March 2019, and with no agreement, awareness of the downside risks would be sensible.