Mumsnet users discuss what they are stockpiling for a no-deal Brexit

Mumsnet users are openly discussing stockpiling food, medicines and cleaning products in preparation for a no-deal Brexit.

Mothers are voicing their concerns about shortages if the UK leaves the EU without a deal in a thread on the popular parenting site and sharing advice on how they are preparing for the eventuality.

At the weekend a former advisor to Environment Secretary Michael Gove warned that certain foods could run out in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

James Starkie said that people would be able to get ‘the food they need’ but that certain types of seasonal food could be affected.

This message has reached the Mums of Mumsnet, who are filling their cupboards with dried goods.

The parent who started the discussion, which has almost 100 comments, wrote: “I have begun bulk-buying dry goods and general supplies.

“While I recognise that I am panic-buying, the past weeks have frightened the hell out of me.”

Another concerned Mum commented: “I have bought extra pasta, jars, baked beans, long life milk, noodles, tinned fruit and veg, flour and stuff to bake bread, and the kids favourite cereals so that we can ride the first few weeks without having to do a shop.

“I personally don’t think that the shortage will be hugely significant or long term, but there will be last minute panic and I don’t want to be part of it.”

The same parent said that she and her partner have stopped drinking alcohol in order to save money to put towards hoarding food.

Another Mumsnet user who claims to work for the civil service said: “I would seriously start stockpiling after my experience today.

“I work for the Civil service. Our entire department (big, very well known department, nothing to do with Brexit) was gathered together and we were asked to volunteer to move departments to provide Brexit backup, specifically to help ensure movement of food, medicine and people in the event of no deal.

“They were looking for many hundreds of people to change jobs urgently to do the necessary work and they need them to be in place by the end of January. More than a whiff of serious panic from the big wigs.”

A Government spokesperson said: “People don’t need to stockpile food and household items.”

The Government’s official position is that they are pursuing a deal with the EU but are preparing for a no deal.

Their website states: “Delivering the deal negotiated with the EU remains the government’s top priority. This has not changed.

“However, the government must prepare for every eventuality, including a no deal scenario. For two years, the government has been implementing a significant programme of work to ensure that the UK is prepared to leave the EU on March 29 2019.”