Skip to content
Wednesday 22 July 2026London --:--Frankfurt --:--Zurich --:--
NewslettersSearchEN · DE
City PM

European business, markets and politics

FTSE 100
10,585.91
+0.58%
DAX
25,011.35
+0.66%
CAC 40
8,363.14
+0.28%
STOXX 50
6,285.63
+0.94%
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Technology
  • Politics
  • Opinion
More
GermanyFranceBankingAIEnergyFintechPropertyCapital Markets
  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Technology
  • Politics
  • Opinion
  • DE
Thursday 14 January 2016 11:20 pm

EU referendum: Osborne slammed for lack of contingency plans for Brexit

By: Caitlin Morrison

Add as a preferred source on Google

The government has come under fire for not making contingency plans for a possible Brexit.

The criticism came after chancellor George Osborne told BBC 2 Newsnight that the Treasury is not planning for Brexit. Instead of a plan, he said his department is "100 per cent now focused on achieving the renegotiation… That is where the resources of the Treasury are deployed". 

Prime Minister David Cameron had said earlier he was not taking steps to prepare departments for Brexit.

Labour MP Wes Streeting of the Treasury Select Committee told City PM: "I want the Prime Minister to succeed in his renegotiation efforts and leading the campaign to stay in the EU.

"What I can’t comprehend is Osborne’s failure to put in place contingency planning for an exit vote. He owes it to the country to give us a clear idea of what an ‘exit’ vote would mean and plan for that scenario."

Share this article

  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Similarly tagged content:

Sections

  • News

Categories

  • Business
  • Politics

Trending Articles

  • Exclusive: EQT to announce Emirates GBR SailGP deal

  • ‘Phenomenal waste of time’: Burnham slammed over plans to dismantle tech department

  • Will Ibai take home a Toast the City Award?

  • Calanda can give Graffard a third King George

  • Chance things Fall right for Sunshine and Commanche

More from City PM

  • Treasury minister: Meeting Nato defence pledge is Burnham’s job

    Politics
    UK defence strategy meeting, officials discussing military advancements and security measures in a conference room setting
  • Thames Water creditors expect Burnham talks despite legal contigency plans

    Politics
    Burnham cityscape at sunset with historic buildings and bustling streets, highlighting the vibrant urban landscape
  • Reeves: Burnham will face ‘shocks and challenges’ as Prime Minister

    Politics
    Rachel Reeves delivering a speech at a press event, wearing a navy blazer and standing in front of a backdrop with logos.
  • Burnham risks ‘breaking manifesto’ without business rates reform

    Retail
    Andy Burnham speaking at a public event, addressing the audience with a focused expression, highlighting his leadership role.
  • Miliband opponents pour cold water on Chancellor hopes

    Politics
    Ed Miliband outside Downing Street
  • Wealthy Brits fear Burnham tax consequences

    Personal Finance
    Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, speaking at a podium with microphones.
  • Sadiq Khan lobbies Burnham to appoint Miliband as Chancellor 

    Politics
    Sadiq Khan addressing media at a press conference in formal attire, discussing recent developments in London policies
  • John Healey becomes Chancellor as Andy Burnham names top Cabinet appointments

    Politics
    Chancellor John Healey speaking at a professional event, likely a press conference or address.
CityPM

Independent European business, markets and political news for decision-makers.

Morning Briefing

Europe

  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • UK & Ireland

Business

  • Markets
  • Banking
  • Technology
  • Energy
  • Property
  • Fintech

Editorial

  • Opinion
  • Editorial Policy
  • Corrections
  • Contact

Company

  • About City PM
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
© 2026 City PM Ltd · Published by CityPM Media, Bahnhofstrasse 65, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Privacy · Terms · Cookies · Facebook