POLICE Scotland has spent more than £8 million on Brexit contingency planning, according to a report due to go before the Scottish Police Authority board at its meeting next week. It states £8.05m was spent by the force up to September 9 on preparation.
The figures account for both Brexit contingency planning and the Brexit delivery team. Contingency planning focuses on preparation for potential civil unrest after Brexit and the delivery team is focused on ensuring international co-operation continues.
According to the report, force reserves have been deployed across Scotland since August in preparation for Brexit. They have also been aiding officers at a number of pre-planned events such as football games and protests, as well as undertaking patrols.
Officers have also visited counterparts in Portugal to improve relations between the forces. Similar visits have been planned, with the report saying they are “vital to achieve a framework for international liaison upon EU exit”.
Scottish LibDem justice spokesman Liam McArthur said: “This is a mind-boggling sum.” He urged the UK Government to “ensure none of our public services are missing out as a result of the catastrophic Brexit process”.
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