People are actually buying the £300 emergency Brexit box, containing enough food for a month ‘The Brexit boxes are just to give people some wiggle room’

People in Britain are actually buying the £300 Brexit box, which launched in December and “makes stockpiling easy” for anyone worried about the possibility of a no-deal scenario.

“We’re not profiteering out of fear, we’re just trying to help people be ready in case of a no-deal”

i reported last month that there are genuine fears Brexit may lead to shortages of food, medicines – don’t mention fridges – and other essential materials as the risk increases that a no-deal Brexit may lead to issues with getting goods into the country at the border.

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.

A number of households have been stockpiling on their own steam for months, but manufacturers Emergency Food Storage UK has been selling ready-made supply kits. They include 60 meals, plus additional meat products to supplement meals, a fire starter, water filter, and energy gel.

Some might still think such preparatory tactics absurd. Many don’t. The company has sold more than 600 boxes since launch, and expects to sell hundreds more as Parliament sways, argues and deliberates.

‘Wiggle room’

Founder James Blake said the idea isn’t to profit out of worry, but help Britons prepare for troubled times. What if we run out of eggs?

“We had sold about 604 at last count three days ago, and more since,” Mr Blake told i. “We’ve been selling around 25 per day, which isn’t bad.

“We’re not profiteering out of fear, we’re just trying to help people be ready in case of a no-deal. There looks like there could be significant disruption and the Government isn’t prepared.

“The Government doesn’t have a plan in place and there could be delays and shortages – this is just a way to help people. We’re selling the boxes at reduced prices. We’re not making a huge amount of money out of this.”

Mr Blake said he thinks there could be problems at borders when the UK leaves the EU.

‘I’m worried about the aftermath’

He added: “The Brexit boxes are just to give people some wiggle room. If the worst does happen, will supermarkets be able to cope?”

Lynda Mayall, 61, who lives near Wakefield, is one person who bought a Brexit box. She told the BBC: “I’m not worried about Brexit, I’m worried about the aftermath.

“I feel that there’s going to be a bit of chaos for the first six months until border controls are sorted. I’ve always been a person that feels it is important to make sure I’ve got supplies in…”

60 meals

Emergency Food Storage UK is better known for selling camping food and equipment – the food is made by Mountain House, which specialises in freeze-dried products. Also on sale are the likes of tents, generators, and camping stoves.

Many will still be hopeful that Theresa May and her Government will be able to sort Brexit out. In that case, the 600 or more people who spent £300 on packets of bolognese and chicken tikka masala will have to book extended camping trips to Snowdonia.