Commons in food supply warning over no-deal plan

A committee of MPS has condemned the “cavalier” approach of the UK environment department to the risk of severe disruption to food supplies and trade in agricultural goods under a no-deal Brexit.

A report from the Commons Public Accounts Committee said Michael Gove’s department had been “too complacent” in preparing for the possibility of the UK crashing out of the EU without a deal.

Senior MPS accused the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) of “excessive secrecy” that was hampering farm and food businesses’ ability to prepare for a no-deal scenario.

Their report warned of the danger of a lack of vets adding to costs for rural businesses, and livestock and animal products being held up at ports and borders.

Committee chairwoman Meg Hillier said the lack of information was “alarming”.

A Defra spokesman said: “We do not accept the PAC’S conclusions which fail to accurately reflect Defra’s preparations for leaving the EU.”