No-deal Brexit: Supermarkets prepare for looting and riots amid fears of food shortages Stores have enlisted the help of the police to deal with violent protests

UK supermarkets are bracing themselves for looting and riots as a result of food shortages following a no-deal Brexit.

Retailers are taking “extraordinary measures” to prepare for the chaos they fear could ensue due to disruption in the UK’s food supply, according to a report from the consumer insights group Kantar.

Some stores are even working with local police forces to establish plans on how to deal with the violent protests they believe could erupt.

The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

Food imports at risk

A “significant percentage” of the food purchased by UK consumers is at risk of disruption in a no-deal Brexit scenario, Fraser McKevitt, the report’s co-author, warned.

Nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of all fresh food is imported to the UK, primarily from the EU, the report states.

Almost half (46 per cent) of imported fresh food arrives in Britain from Spain, while close to one quarter (22 per cent) comes from the Netherlands.

Overall, 50 per cent of all food consumed in Britain is imported, with 32 per cent arriving from the EU.

Supermarkets ‘working with police’

Grocers are going to extreme lengths to prepare for a no-deal Brexit, including stockpiling non-perishable goods, lowering their quality standards and beefing up security to protect supply chains, stores and staff, the report reveals.

“Retailers are implementing new security measures and working with local police forces on additional protection should protests, looting or rioting erupt that would compromise the safety of the retailer’s goods or the safety of its workers and supply chain partners,” it states.

Stockpiling

Standards regarding the appearance of fresh produce have been lowered, with grocers rejecting fewer ‘wonky’ items. They are also testing longer-lasting varieties of fruit and vegetables.

The report also notes that shoppers are showing signs of “recessionary behaviour”.

One in 10 consumers had created a “stockpile” of groceries by early February and a further 25 per cent were considering it. The stockpiling rate was twice as high among those preferring to remain in the EU as those who wanted to leave.

‘Protecting customers and employees’

James Martin, policy advisor on crime at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: “Retailers across the country will continue to work with police and their other partners to keep retail sites running smoothly.

“Even when circumstances are difficult, retailers are well-versed in providing effective security measures to protect customers and employees. The British Retail Consortium and our members will continue to work with the police to do that.”

The BRC stressed there was no evidence to suggest there would be widespread disturbances.

A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesman said: “Supermarkets have their own security and procedures but police forces will assess any requests for assistance or reports of criminal behaviour.”

@kt_grant