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Millions of children could have Christmas ruined this year because of a no-deal Brexit , it is claimed.

Sainsbury’s boss Mike Coupe says high import tariffs, busy ports, lorry tailbacks and a lack of warehouse space would be “very disruptive” around the festive period.

Toys, food and technology coming to the UK from the EU and further afield would be hit, he warns.

Mr Coupe, who also runs the UK’s biggest toy supplier Argos, said: “The Brexit deadline of October 31 is not far off – and it is the worst day you could choose.

“There are very few warehouse spaces available on that date to stockpile goods, especially toys and non-food.”

He added: “Our trading relations with the countries that manufacture toys and electronics are also uncertain in a no-deal.

“I am regularly talking to Government about the risk of a hard-edged Brexit.”

Rival Tesco boss Dave Lewis also cautions that no-deal increases the prospects of “empty shelves” this Christmas.

He added: “If there’s a problem at the border, if there’s a problem with tariffs, then there could be interruption.”

Mr Coupe was speaking as Sainsbury’s posted a 1.6% drop in sales in the 16 weeks to June 29.

Food sales slipped 0.5% with clothing down 4.5%. That fall came despite the chain cutting prices on 1,000 products.