Brits set to be told to change their diets to cope with food delays after no-deal Brexit

Ellen Manning
<em>Officials are reportedly planning to tell Britons to change what they eat in the event of a no-deal Brexit, in case some sources of fresh food are cut off (Picture: Getty)</em>
Officials are reportedly planning to tell Britons to change what they eat in the event of a no-deal Brexit, in case some sources of fresh food are cut off (Picture: Getty)

Brits could be told to change what they eat in the event of a no-deal Brexit amid concerns some sources of fresh food from EU countries will be cut off, it has been reported.

The Times reported that while officials do not predict food shortages, some perishable goods from Europe, like fruit from Spain or vegetables from the Netherlands – could be held up by border delays.

According to the newspaper, the government has started detailed planning on food supplies in case Britain leaves Europe without a deal and is planning to stockpile food in huge hangars.

Another part of the planning is said to be whether Britons will have to “vary their diet” to cope with any shortages.

<em>Border delays could cause issues with perishable foods, officials think (Picture: Getty)</em>
Border delays could cause issues with perishable foods, officials think (Picture: Getty)

Ian Wright, director-general of the Food and Drink Federation, told The Times: “This illustrates the really grisly nature of a no-deal outcome. Quite simply, the British people would not forgive anyone responsible for it coming to pass.”

According to the federation, around 60 per cent of food is produced in the UK and 40 per cent is imported, although this changes with seasons.

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The government has also removed a claim that a no-deal Brexit is “unlikely” from many of its contingency plans.

Other changes reportedly removing references to negotiations going “well” and to Brussels “working hard to seek a positive deal”.

Theresa May’s spokesman said that the change was “a straightforward reflection of the decision that was taken by cabinet to move to a position where we’re implementing our no-deal plans in full”. He said it was still the government’s position that “the most likely outcome” was leaving with a deal.

Yesterday a cross-party group of MPs began another attempt to rule out a no-deal Brexit. The Labour MPs Yvette Cooper, Hilary Benn, Rachel Reeves and Harriet Harman and the Conservatives Nicky Morgan, Sir Oliver Letwin and Nick Boles tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill, due to be debated next month, which aims to prevent the government implementing provisions for a no-deal scenario without the explicit consent of parliament.