Gove admits likelihood of food price rises

Michael Gove has admitted that there is the potential for food price rises in the event of a no deal Brexit, The Times has reported.

However, he has insisted there would be no shortages of fresh produce. He told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show that “everyone will have the food they need”.

The British Retail Consortium has responded the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster’s claims, stating that they are “categorically untrue”.

“The retail industry has been crystal clear in its communications with government over the past 36 months that the availability of fresh foods will be impacted as a result of checks and delays at the border,” it said in a statement.

“Indeed, the government’s own assessments showed that the flow of goods through the channel crossings could be reduced by 40-60% from day one, as would the “availability and choice” of some foods.

“The BRC’s own assessment has shown that soft fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, tomatoes and lettuces, would likely see reduced availability as they are largely imported during the winter months,” it said.

While retailers are working with suppliers to maintain stocks of non-perishable, the ability to fully mitigate for any disruption to fresh foods was “impossible”, it added.

According to a report by by Sky News last night, government analysis has suggested that vehicles could face two-day delays at Dover in the event of a no-deal exit.

On the topic of food prices, Gove added that some prices may go up, while others will come down, and said that the government was planning to help people with the cost of living.