Experts clash over civil service’s ability to deliver on Brexit decision
10 Jun 2016 Brexit
Experts clash over civil service’s ability to deliver on Brexit decision

Whitehall commentators and insiders at odds over expertise and timescales for “conscious uncoupling” with Europe
Treasury making 'significant' contingency plans for Brexit, says George Osborne
11 May 2016 Brexit
Treasury making "significant" contingency plans for Brexit, says George Osborne

Chancellor says Treasury civil servants planning for the impact of leaving the EU on financial stability in the UK – but Number 10 maintains no wider policy planning taking place
FCO will need 'considerable' spending boost if Britain backs Brexit, say MPs
26 Apr 2016 Brexit
FCO will need "considerable" spending boost if Britain backs Brexit, say MPs

Foreign Affairs Committee report says challenges of vote to leave would not be "insurmountable" for the Foreign Office – but makes clear the department would need a big boost in resources to cope with the fall-out
Former cabinet secretary Lord O'Donnell: Brexit negotiations could last 10 years
30 Mar 2016 Brexit
Former cabinet secretary Lord O'Donnell: Brexit negotiations could last 10 years

Former cabinet secretary says it is “highly unlikely” that a withdrawal from the European Union would follow the timetable set out in the rules governing the bloc
Bernard Jenkin: Jeremy Heywood's EU referendum guidance leaves civil servants in an absurd position – he must explain himself to MPs
01 Mar 2016 Brexit
Bernard Jenkin: Jeremy Heywood's EU referendum guidance leaves civil servants in an absurd position – he must explain himself to MPs

It now seems as though civil servants are being told to block information to ministers in favour of leaving the European Union, despite the fact that the same ministers are constitutionally accountable to parliament for the conduct of their departments. Today's hearing with the cabinet secretary must provide answers
EU referendum: Jeremy Heywood confirms curbs on civil service support for ministers backing British exit
23 Feb 2016 Brexit
EU referendum: Jeremy Heywood confirms curbs on civil service support for ministers backing British exit

Cabinet secretary writes to perm secs to confirm that pro-Brexit ministers will not have access to civil service briefings on the referendum
Gus O'Donnell: Civil servants will be 'mentally' working on Brexit plan
18 Jan 2016 Brexit
Gus O'Donnell: Civil servants will be "mentally" working on Brexit plan

Former cabinet secretary says civil servants will be informally working on preparations for British exit from the European Union in spite of official assurances