Food Industry News: Government criticised for brushing aside food industry's Brexit concerns

The Food and Drink Federation has slammed the Government for brushing aside 'no deal' Brexit concerns from the industry.

Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab used a speech at the Conservative Party conference on Monday (1 October) to say how the UK would leave without a deal rather than be "bullied" into signing a "one-sided" arrangement.Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt likened the European Union to a Soviet-era prison, comments EU diplomats said were "insulting".

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), which represents the interests of the UK's food and drink manufacturing industry, said such language doesn't hide the "grisly consequences" of a 'no deal' Brexit scenario.

Ian Wright, FDF Chief Executive said: “It's all very well for Dominic Raab to decry scaremongering on a 'no-deal' Brexit, but just two months ago he was the one raising the possibility of stockpiling food and calling in the squaddies to help.

“The “lurid predictions” he mentions are from his own colleagues in DExEU. Their technical notices lay bare just how severe blockages at the ports would be for food coming in and out of our country.”

Food supplies minister

Mr Wright also said that the Government appointment of David Rutley MP as food supplies minister shows a 'no deal' scenario could have a major impact on ports.

The last person to occupy such a position oversaw the end of rationing in 1954.

“We face grisly consequences if we do not secure a deal with the EU – it is not scaremongering, it is scary,” Mr Wright added.”We are already seeing food and drink prices rise in response to the threat of a 'no-deal' Brexit as businesses begin to stockpile and hedge currency risk. 

The Government must act quickly if it is to protect the interest of shoppers and consumers, who have come to expect year-round availability of high-quality food and drink at all price points.

”Fears of the UK leaving the EU with no deal have increased after European leaders heavily criticised parts of Theresa May's so-called Chequers plan.