Related: Starmer criticises PM over NI take hike
Boris Johnson’s official spokesman has rejected industry warnings that shortages of some food products on supermarket shelves due to Britain's ongoing supply chain crisis could be permanent – insisting that people will be able to enjoy a “normal Christmas”.
Ian Wright, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, had earlier made the extraordinary claim that the days when UK consumers could pick up almost any product they like are over.
“The result of the labour shortages is that the just-in-time system that has sustained supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants – so the food has arrived on shelf or in the kitchen, just when you need it – is no longer working,” he said.
“And I don't think it will work again, I think we will see we are now in for permanent shortages.”
Elsewhere, Labour has taken a surprise poll lead after support for the Conservatives slumped to its lowest level since the general election on the back of Boris Johnson’s tax rise.
Meanwhile, European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic concluded a two-day fact-finding mission in Belfast by suggesting that a compromise deal can be struck on the operation of the Northern Ireland Protocol which would represent a “win-win” for both the EU and UK.
He had earlier drawn unionist criticism after responding to the DUP’s threat to withdraw ministers from Stormont with an appeal for politicians to “dial down the rhetoric”.
