• ENSURING Camden, and the UK in general, is prepared for a calamitous no-deal Brexit is as of great concern to us, as it is to residents, (What preparations have Camden made for a crash out of the EU? February 21).

I can assure residents that, within our powers, we are preparing for the worst, though I can’t pretend that the government’s botched handling of the Brexit process won’t lead to disruption.

Camden is a gateway to Europe through our Eurostar terminal at St Pancras. Many of our businesses and national institutions that are based here rely on a frictionless trade with the EU and the European workforce.

Whether it’s queues here or at ports either side of the Channel, disruption to supply chains, or vital medical supplies, we must be prepared for every possible outcome.

We are in weekly contact with London Councils, which is co-ordinating the preparations local authorities have to make, and London Resilience, which leads the capital’s emergency planning.

We have completed thorough risk assessments and have strong business continuity plans in place for no-deal.

Many of our residents rely on the support of our care staff who are EU citizens. We have contacted our care home providers and are working with the NHS to ensure our residents will continue to get the support and medicines they need.

Our EU staff and citizens are an integral part of Camden and we want them to stay. We will make council officers available to help any Camden EU citizen or Camden staff member who has to apply to continue to live in the UK, with the document validation and verification process; and waive the associated £14 administration fee.

We are continuously pushing government for more information and sharing new emerging risks with them. The government must clarify its intentions and take every action possible to avoid a self-inflicted crisis.

CLLR JONATHAN SIMPSON
Cabinet Member for Promoting Culture & Community Services