Thousands of troops are on standby, ferry space has been reserved for emergency supplies and families will be warned to get ready for a no deal Brexit, Cabinet ruled today.
Theresa May and her ministers decided with just 101 days until exit day it was time to spend billions on contingency plans - despite insisting the PM's deal remained the 'most likely scenario'.
Amid claims the public might be alarmed by the dramatic preparations, Mrs May's spokesman insisted: 'These are the actions of a sensible Government to ensure people are prepared.'
The scale of the effort was underlined today as it emerged there are 320 projects - including the booking of space on ferries to ensure critical medical supplies can still get into the country.
There are also 3,500 troops on stand-by to intervene anywhere they are needed.
The public will also be urged to prepare themselves and their families, with detailed information on contingency plans set to be published over the coming weeks - including through the Christmas holidays.
TV adverts and social media could be used as Government uses a 'range of channels' to get information out to the public.
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Millions of businesses have also been told to prepare. HM Revenue & Customs will email 80,000 firms directly while a 100-page 'Partnership Pack' will be published to help all companies get themselves ready for turmoil.
Mrs May's spokesman refused to comment on whether families will be warned about food stock piling or reports Northern Ireland could be left dependent on generators.
