Driver shortages could curb Christmas cheer

THE Government cannot guarantee there will be enough lorries on the roads this Christmas, the Transport Secretary has said, as concerns mount over supply chain pressures.

With supermarkets and restaurants experiencing delivery delays because of a 90,000 HGV driver shortfall, Grant Shapps told MPS yesterday that ministers were doing “everything we possibly can” to address the problem. However, despite announcing a series of measures to increase the number of driving tests available for new hauliers, Mr Shapps added that the “whole solution was not in our hands” when asked if he could guarantee there would not be shortages in the run up to December.

Separately, The Daily Telegraph understands that Lord Frost, the Brexit minister, will today confirm that new customs controls on EU imports entering the UK will be delayed again, just weeks before they are scheduled to be implemented.