The U.K.’s worst-case Brexit scenario

The British government laid out its contingency plan if it leaves the European Union on Oct. 31 without a deal. It’s not pretty.

Details: The government’s “Operation Yellowhammer” paints a bleak picture of food and medicine shortages, delays at border crossings and social unrest. What’s more, the report concludes, “low income groups will be disproportionately affected by any price rises in food and fuel.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has dismissed much of the speculation about no-deal consequences as “Operation Fear.” But the document makes clear that his own government is preparing to deal with the dangers.