So it’s NOT Brexit! Empty shelves pictured in Brussels as supply chain issues cripple EU
Pierce forecasts new rules as supermarkets warn of shortage
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Despite the reassuring words of the Government regarding the recent fuel shortages, a lack of warehouse workers and lorry drivers could impact Christmas shopping deliveries for many retailers. This summer, many popular products have been absent from supermarket shelves due to supply chain issues.
Many rejoiners have blamed Brexit for the lack of delivery drivers and growing labour shortages have been blamed on supply chain issues.
However, one expert on European politics has revealed the produce shortage has also impacted the “heart of Brussels”.
James Holland, an expert on European Politics, tweeted an image of an empty shelf in the heart of Brussels.
He captioned the image: “Empty shelves in heart of Brussels this morning, with signs saying it is due to logistical problems.”
Many others responded to his tweet and said Brexit has had nothing to do with the produce shortage across the UK.
One Twitter user, June McCarthy, replied: “So it’s not just UK experiencing problems, and it’s not Brexit.
“More likely it’s Covid and the long shutdown affecting goods produced, available and distribution.”
Someone else, whose user name is @Nottingham_PT, commented: “Nope, I simply won’t have it.
“It must be Brexit. I won’t hear a word to the contrary.”
However, many others pointed out that the empty shelves across Brussels is due to a strike in a distribution centre.
One person, @Banned_Reunion, tweeted: “But this is a Carrefour store.
“Who have a strike in their distribution centre.
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“The other supermarkets within metres are full.
“Some context missing here in your musings.”
Twitter user, Mal Chandler (@MalChandler) wrote: “I’m surprised that living in Brussels you weren’t aware of the strike by a number of warehouse workers, who supply Carrefour and a number of others.”
A third Twitter user, @Ali3Mctavish, commented: “This is a unique case due to a warehouse strike.
“There are no other shortages of food or fuel in Belgium.
“Pity James Holland doesn’t research before tweeting.
“He’s actually proved Remainers right as the only shortage he could find was not due an ‘EU supply chain crisis’.”
Someone else, @WokingUncovered, simply said the empty shelves have “nothing to do with the big B”.
The supermarket crisis sparked concerns about the festive season with several companies warning Christmas could be in jeopardy.
Richard Griffiths, British Poultry Council CEO, said in a statement: ”With fewer than 100 days to go until Christmas, and already facing mounting labour shortages, the last thing British poultry production needs is more pressure.”
But Richard Walker, managing director of supermarket chain Iceland Foods, had an even stronger warning for consumers.
Mr Walker told the BBC: “This is no longer about whether Christmas will be okay, it’s about keeping the wheels turning and the lights on so that we can actually get to Christmas.”
He added: ”This is not an issue that’s months away.”
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