Britain cancels ill-fated Brexit ferries

Britain said Wednesday it has cancelled ferry contracts intended to ensure the supply of critical products if it leaves the EU with no Brexit deal, at a cost of £50 million. The price tag drew sharp criticism for a process already mired in farce, after one of the companies hired last December to run extra cross-Channel services turned out to have no ferries.
Britain was due to leave the European Union on March 29 but, with parliament unable to agree on the terms, Prime Minister Theresa May has delayed the decision until October 31 to avoid a damaging "no deal" exit.
"The government's freight capacity contracts were a vital part of contingency measures, ensuring goods like medicines could enter the UK in the case of disruption during a no-deal Brexit," a government spokeswoman said.
"Following the extension, the government is reviewing all preparedness plans.