More than 1,500 hauliers are queuing on the M20 or parked at Kent’s Manston Airport, following France’s decision on Sunday to stop anyone entering from the UK for 48 hours due to a new coronavirus variant.
Ian Wright, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said while shoppers “need have no concerns about food supplies over Christmas”, the consequences could be felt soon after.
He said:
“Impacts on local on-shelf availability of certain fresh foods look likely from next week”.
Mr Wright said businesses are already suffering as lorry loads worth millions of pounds are being spoiled.
He went on to say:
“For most, insurance will not cover these losses, which must be compensated.”
On Tuesday, long lines of lorries stretched through the Kent countryside as they waited in hope the border would reopen soon.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps issued another urge for anyone trying to cross the Channel to avoid the area.
He tweeted:
“A reminder to all hauliers that the French have not reopened the border to France”.
“Please do not travel to Kent as you will be unable to cross and may become stuck for longer.”
France’s foreign ministry, when speaking on the border shutdown, said the 48-hour ban was:
“An emergency measure to allow us to provide a practical solution and to exchange views with out European partners”, later adding they hoped a solution would occur throughout the day.
Photo: HighwaysEngland.
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