What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Ministers have handed a contract for shipping critical NHS supplies in the event of a no deal Brexit to the firm behind the KFC chicken shortage fiasco.

The Mirror has learned that a Government logistics hub in Belgium will rely on delivery firm DHL to transport some key goods across the Channel.

The fast food chain was forced to temporarily close hundreds of outlets last year following the botched handover of its logistics contract to DHL.

MPs criticised the decision to rely on the firm to provide potentially life-saving drugs and equipment if the UK leaves without a deal.

Whitehall insiders said the hub was just one way that medical products would be brought into the country in a no deal scenario.

(Image: Leon Neal)

The goods are understood to be those requested by hospitals on a 24 to 72 hour time frame and could include cancer drugs and radio isotopes which require refrigeration.

Ministers announced earlier this week that the UK already had enough blood products available so would not need to import them under a no deal Brexit.

But it comes after the Government was forced to cancel a £13.8m deal with a ferry company to carry goods from mainland Europe because it had no ships.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said: “Has the Government not learnt anything from its blundering decision to hand a ferry contract to a company with no ferries?

“The idea that vital medical supplies will be handled by a company incapable of delivering chicken to KFC is truly frightening.

“Ministers must urgently explain why they’re gambling with people’s lives by striking bargain bucket supply deals.

“Instead of risking shortages of critical medicines, the Government must rule out a disastrous no deal Brexit and accept the need to extend Article 50.”

A Department of Health spokesman said: “This is a misleading comparison - DHL is one of the biggest logistics companies in the world and since 2006 has provided services for a range of products for the NHS.”

DHL has not responded to requests for comment.