With less than a month to go until new Brexit import controls come into force, the SNP is warning of further price hikes, rotting food and supply delays unless the UK government clarify new rules for businesses immediately.
Food businesses have said they are still in the dark as to how exactly post-Brexit import controls, due to start on 30th April, will be carried out.
The Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, Helen Dickson, has warned that the new red tape at Britain’s borders will push up food prices.
The import controls, which will see physical checks on goods coming into the UK from the EU, has been delayed five times by the UK government because of fears that they will push up food prices in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
The UK imports around 79% of its vegetables and just under 40% of its fruit from the EU.
Commenting, the SNP’s Business and International Trade spokesperson, Richard Thomson MP said:
“This is the cost of Westminster control for Scotland – Scottish businesses and consumers deserve so much better than this broken, Brexit Britain.
“To prevent empty shelves, rotting food and further price hikes on basic food items in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, the UK government must urgently clarify to businesses how the upcoming import controls will work in practice.
“Brexit has been a disaster from the very beginning, pushing up the cost-of-living and leaving businesses struggling.
“But Westminster refuses to wake up to that reality, showing complete disregard for household budgets and businesses.
“It is clear that the only way we can ensure Scotland has representatives at Westminster who will oppose the many harms of Brexit and stand up for Scottish households and businesses is by voting for the SNP.”
