Brexit ‘decade of uncertainty’ claims rejected

Divisions on the EU deepened as Eurosceptic ministers poured scorn on claims a vote to leave could create a “decade or more of uncertainty” for Britain.

The first official Whitehall analysis of the process of withdrawal, published by foreign secretary Philip Hammond, warned an “out” vote would mark the start of “a period of uncertainty, of unknown length, and [with] an unpredictable outcome”.

The 23-page document said it was unlikely the terms of withdrawal could be fully negotiated within the formal two-year process, opening the door to other EU states demanding concessions in return for an extension.