Food prices would rise, with beef and pork hit hardest, in the event that Britain fails to reach a trade deal with the European Union, a cabinet minister admitted yesterday.
George Eustice, the environment, food and rural affairs secretary, insisted the increases would be “modest” but conceded that travel to EU nations would become more complicated and Britons with less than six months’ passport validity faced being denied entry.
He acknowledged that free healthcare could not be guaranteed for UK visitors to EU countries next month without a trade deal and that drivers would have to show proof of insurance.
As the prospects of the transition period ending on December 31 without a trade agreement increase, scrutiny has turned to a host of practical
