Michael Gove’s Denial of Food Shortages After No Deal Brexit Is ‘Categorically Untrue’

The lies keep coming as Brexit gets closer

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has described Michael Gove’s claim that there will be no fresh food shortages after a no-deal Brexit as “categorically untrue.” That is: A lie. Speaking on the Andrew Marr Show, Gove said: “No, there will be no shortages of fresh food.” The BRC, however, said:

The retail industry has been crystal clear in its communications with government over the past 36 months that the availability of fresh foods will be impacted as a result of checks and delays at the border.

Indeed, the government’s own assessments showed that the flow of goods through the channel crossings could be reduced by 40 to 60 per cent from day one, as would the “availability and choice” of some foods.

This adds to the £5 billion Brexit will likely suck out of the restaurant industry; the food shortages forecasted by the Food and Drink Foundation; the disproportionate impact of no deal Brexit on food banks; and Boris Johnson being warned of “mortal damage” to the food and drink sector. Gove did admit, though, that food prices will likely go up. Excellent. [Independent]

And in other news...

• Arcade Food Theatre is London’s hottest food hall, but the Centre Point restaurant complex gets a withering verdict from Grace Dent.
• Join Eater London for a discussion of London’s speciality coffee and cafe culture.
• Taylor St Baristas’s cafes will close and convert to Black Sheep, but Department of Coffee and Social Affairs intends to revive the brand. Founders Nick, Laura, and Andrew Tolley — who launched Taylor St in 2006 — are no longer involved.
• Vivi, the 1960s inspired Centre Point restaurant, has closed after six months. [Big Hospitality]
• Is food on slate ruining the roofing industry, as well as the restaurant industry? [Mirror]
• Good tweet: