GMB: Shopping bills will increase by an average of £800 a year under no-deal Brexit

Research by the GMB union suggested a family’s shopping bill could increase by an average of £800 over a year.

The analysis was based on comparing a weekly basket of goods now, with a likely increase in prices if Brexit happens without a trade agreement.

Items which could increase in price include butter, cheese, sausages, potatoes and wine, said the report.

Speaking on the eve of the union’s annual conference in Brighton, GMB general secretary Tim Roache said: “Tory leadership contenders who casually throw around the idea of no-deal Brexit are completely ignoring what that reality would mean for working people.

“The prices of household essentials will go through the roof if hardliners get their way – but why let people’s actual lives get in the way of personal ambition in the Tory Party?

“Either they’re negligent in understanding what leaving on World Trade Organisation terms means, or they just don’t care.

“If the Tory Party choose a leader prepared to walk us off a Brexit cliff edge, our country will live with the economic consequences of that for a generation.”

Best for Britain supporter Clive Lewis MP said: “These Tory leadership candidates who back a no deal Brexit have no idea what it means to be working person in the UK.

“The reason they advocate this disastrous route is because they will never be in the difficult situation of having to make ends meet.

“It’s disgraceful that these people think they should lead the country. What we need is a final say on Brexit for the people to decide if this is in their interests or whether a wealthy elite are taking advantage of the 2016 referendum.”