British food industry seeks nodeal Brexit competition waiver

The change in date for the UK to leave the European Union from the end of March to the end of October is also causing problems for the food industry as it relies more heavily on Europe for fresh food at this time of year.

There is also a lack of warehouse space available for stockpiling. One retailer said that 31 October "is about the worst day you can pick," because warehouse capacity is at 105% in November, versus 7580% in March.

They said that the UK would need 30 massive empty warehouses to store just a week's extra food supply.

Lord Haskins, former chairman of Northern Foods, said: "The government thinks food will flow normally in the event of a no-deal Brexit. I have my doubts.

"I think there will be some panic buying, that will create shortages. I am very worried about the supermarkets getting a priority, we have to remember the schools are very important, the NHS is very important… restaurants and catering. All of them have very complex distribution systems. I don't see how that can be left to the private sector to deal with frankly."

But the government spokesman said: "Half of the food we eat is produced in the UK. The rest of our food is imported, with 30% coming from the EU and 20% from other countries. There will not be an overall shortage of food in the UK after we leave the EU."

Which industries could suffer from a no-deal Brexit?

The cross-party Exiting the EU Committee has warned that a no deal could mean "damaging consequences" for sectors such as:

• Car industry

• Food industry

• Services businesses

• Farming

• Pharmaceuticals

• Chemicals

• Technology

• Higher education