Britain will “pay the price” of a no-deal Brexit because complicated new border controls may not be ready in time, a government watchdog has warned reports BBC.

Thousands of UK exporters did not have enough time to prepare for new border rules, the National Audit Office said.

Criminal gangs could exploit any border weaknesses and queues and delays were likely at border crossings, it added.

The government said it was confident of striking a “good” deal with the EU for as “frictionless” trade as possible.

It said that plans were already 95% complete.

The National Audit Office acknowledged that government had made some progress on preparing for the possibility of a “hard” Brexit.