Johnson’s no-deal strategy isn’t working. He must now negotiate with the EU in good faith

Editorial: The bleak picture of Operation Yellowhammer would amount to the country’s biggest crisis since the Second World War

Tory leader visits a hospital in Cornwall yesterday (EPA)

Downing Street’s response to the leak of its Operation Yellowhammer dossier on the likely impact of a no-deal Brexit was revealing. It tried to distract attention from the highly damaging consequences set out in the report by pointing the finger of blame for the leak at the “Remain alliance” of former cabinet ministers led by Philip Hammond. The former chancellor denied disclosing it.

Michael Gove, the cabinet minister responsible for no-deal planning, insisted it was “an old document” and that “significant additional steps” have been taken since it was written. However, it is believed to have been drafted on 1 August – after Boris Johnson became prime minister.

No wonder Mr Johnson’s allies resorted to diversionary tactics. The report warned that the UK could face shortages of fresh food, medicines and fuel; the closure of two oil refineries; delays at ports and airports; public disorder requiring “significant” police resources and a hard border with Ireland. Food and electricity price rises would hit low-income groups hardest.