Former Sainsbury’s CEO Justin King has explained how no-deal Brexit will lead to almost immediate food shortages in the UK.
Speaking on BBC Newsnight, King explained that there’s only 10 days of fresh food in the UK at any one time. Therefore:
“The kind of disruption the government is talking about today – 50% of vehicles being held up [at the border] – will lead to gaps on the shelves within a week. Significant gaps, because something between 30% and 40% of our produce at that time of year is coming from the European Union.”
King served as CEO of Sainsbury’s for 10 years, so it’s fair to say he’s knows a thing or two about food supply.
Let’s hope Boris Johnson tuned in.