This is what 'Preppers' are doing for a no-deal Brexit

There have been plenty of warnings in recent weeks that British retailers could run out of some types of food in the event of the UK crashing out of the EU with no deal.

And it seems people have begun to take these warnings seriously and started stockpiling items amid warnings of fruit and vegetable shortages.

Earlier today, UK retailers warned a no-deal Brexit could result in driving up shop prices and lead to delays and shortages in fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.

Beef, cheddar cheese and other foods could have tariffs of 40% imposed on them in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the British Retail Consortium (BRC), Northern Ireland Retail Consortium and Retail Ireland warned in a statement.

At the end of last month, the chief executives of Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Asda and Waitrose penned a letter to the Government, warning of “significant disruption” after Brexit.

The letter read: “While we have been working closely with our suppliers on contingency plans, it is not possible to mitigate all the risks to our supply chains and we fear significant disruption in the short-term as a result if there is no Brexit deal.

“For consumers, this will reduce the availability and shelf life of many products in our stores.”

But, while fresh fruit and vegetables seem to be the main concern for British consumers and big business, there are ways around the feared shortage and price of goods that could come as a result of a hard border.

‘Preppers’ – or those preparing for Brexit – recommend buying tinned fruit and veg products, as well as extra amounts of rice, pasta and beans in your normal weekly shop – rather than mad-dash panic buying that will see shelves cleared out faster.

Joanna Jane, head of non-political support group 48% Preppers, is campaigning to ‘bring people together that are worried about the effect of Brexit with a hard border’.

Mrs Jane tells Yahoo News UK: ‘We advocate a ‘beans and bog roll’ style prepping.

‘Supply may be limited, something retailer reports have backed us up on, so we suggest building over time a sensible stock of food and essentials.’

‘Only stuff you would normally use. If nothing happens [a trade deal is made] it can still be eaten/used.

‘It does not need to be expensive food; things like porridge oats can provide a family breakfast for nearly a week.

‘If a member of your family has a special diet that is also a good starting place – but there is no need to run the supermarkets dry.’

She adds: ‘Also don’t forget your family pet as most of their food is imported and unlikely to be given priority.

‘And do not stockpile prescription medication; talk to your GP or pharmacy.’

Summing up the advice of her group, Mrs Jane compares Brexit trade to subscription services such as Amazon Prime – where, in many cases, consumers receive their goods the following day.

She says: ‘It is as though we are cancelling our Amazon Prime membership with Europe. Currently we pay a fee to get next day delivery (lorries just drive through).

‘But from April it will take longer to get supplies through and we may have to wait longer for stuff – especially non-essentials.’