The government has published a Brexit analysis that reveals that no-deal customs arrangements could lead to major delays in present deliveries on Christmas Eve.

The analysis reveals that Santa could potentially be delayed at the UK border for several months to complete customs checks and paperwork.

Credit: ©Westend61/Getty

Although the UK has negotiated a bi-lateral customs agreement with the North Pole, Santa's route to UK households generally comes via the European Union (EU), as dawn breaks earlier in the East. Prior to Brexit, EU customs arrangements meant that Santa and his sleigh were free to travel across the English Channel without impediment.

However, under a no-deal Brexit, Santa would be forced to wait at the UK border for his cargo to be inspected. Since he is estimated to deliver approximately 9.44 million presents to UK children1 this represents a considerable logistical challenge for UK customs staff, particularly as most will be on holiday at this time.

Santa could be delayed further by passport checks, and there is even a suggestion that his reindeer may need to be quarantined, as the EU 'Passports for Pets' scheme will no longer be in operation. Rudolf, Prancer et al. may be held at the border unless Santa can prove that they have been vaccinated against rabies and have been dewormed.

Leading Brexiteers have slammed the report as a 'betrayal of the will of the people', claiming that under a no-deal exit from the EU, a 'British North Pole' could be established in Scotland, allowing deliveries of British-made presents to be made in good time for Christmas Day.

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