Leading retailers have warned a no deal Brexit could leave supermarket shelves empty and lead to higher food prices.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), the UK’s retailers group wrote to MPs, saying the supply chain will be significantly disrupted and “greatly” increase import costs.
Signatories to the letter include, Asda, M&S, the Co-Op, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, McDonalds, Pret A Manger, KFC and the BRC.
The UK heavily relies on EU food imports, the letter pointed out that, “In March, the situation is more acute as UK produce is out of season: 90% of our lettuces, 80% of our tomatoes and 70% of our soft fruit is sourced from the EU at that time of year.”
Retail chiefs said in the letter, “We are extremely concerned that our customers will be among the first to experience the realities of a no-deal Brexit.
“We anticipate significant risks to maintaining the choice, quality and durability of food that our customers have come to expect in our stores, and there will be inevitable pressure on food prices from higher transport costs, currency devaluation and tariffs.
“We are therefore asking you to work with your colleagues in Parliament urgently to find a solution that avoids the shock of a no-deal Brexit on 29 March and removes these risks for UK consumers.”
Leave a Comment