Consumers to suffer under ‘no deal’

The impact of a no-deal Brexit on consumers will be “immediate and severe”, according to a wide ranging report by watchdog Which?

The organisation’s assessment is the immediate aftermath of a no-deal Brexit could be “chaotic” and the government’s technical papers suggest a reduction in rights and choice, as well as price hikes that would have a “direct and hard” impact on consumers.

It said that even with comprehensive contingency planning, the consequences for consumers would still be severe, in areas including travel, food, energy and consumer rights.

Caroline Normand, Which? director of policy, said: “Consumers want a Brexit that protects and enhances their rights and gives them access to a wider range of high-quality, affordable goods and services. But it’s clear that many are deeply concerned about what a no-deal Brexit would mean for families and businesses across Britain.”

She added: “From grounded flights and delays at borders and airports, to food shortages and soaring energy prices, the impact could be immediate and catastrophic for millions of people, with disruption on a scale not seen since the consumer chaos of the 1970s.

“Thegovernmentmustagree a deal … to prevent a disaster scenario for consumers that hits them in the pocket and sees valuable rights effectively snatched away from them.”