The reality that the UK might leave the European Union without a deal is looking increasingly likely which has prompted the Theresa May government to put troops on stand-by in the case of such an eventuality.

The UK is due to leave the EU on March 29, 2019 which leaves Theresa May and her cabinet members with just 101 days to prepare and hence the British Cabinet has made no-deal planning an "operational priority," Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said. He added, “The government’s priority remains to secure a deal, but we need to recognize with 14 weeks to go, that a responsible government is preparing for the eventuality that we leave without a deal.”

Britain's Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson told the House of Commons on Tuesday that 3,500 troops will be ready to support the government in case of a no-deal Brexit.

"We've as yet not had any formal request from any government department but what we are doing is putting contingency plans in place," Williamson told the Commons.

"What we will do is have 3,500 service personnel held at readiness -- including regulars and reserves -- in order to support any government department on any contingencies they may need."

Apart from the need to put troops on the border as Britain will cease to have visa-free travel of people between the 27 remaining EU countries and mailand UK, the government will also need to prepare business houses which will be impacted. Businesses will be reportedly sent a 100-plus page online pack to help them get ready. Emails to 80,000 of those most likely to be affected will be sent over the next few days to prepare of them of the procedures to be followed in the event of a No-deal Brexit.

Theresa May’s May's spokesman said, "Citizens should also prepare in line with the technical notices issued in the summer and in line with further more detailed advice that will now be issued over coming weeks."

The preparations come as Theresa May has scheduled to put the Brexit bill to a vote in the UK Parliament on January 14. But she barely has a majority in the parliament and there are many among her own party who do not agree with her negotiated Brexit deal, hence it is a very real possibility that the UK will crash out of the European Union.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 19, 2018 05:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).