The story broke this morning that the government, in anticipation of a no-deal Brexit, has been drawing up plans to stockpile processed foods, in the event that, by 29 March next year, they have still not worked out a way to maintain the free flow of goods – which includes food and medical supplies – between EU producers and UK consumers. Because the UK, as has been repeatedly pointed out since the 2016 referendum, produces only half of what it eats. And, when it comes to fruit and vegetables, 40% of fresh produce comes from the EU.
A free flow of goods means minimal delays in transit, which is crucial for anything fresh. As the head of the British Retail Consortium warned Theresa May and Michel Barnier last week, a no-deal Brexit could mean “food rotting at ports”.
Of course, if the flipside of a no-deal Brexit is a UK-US trade deal like…
