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ENSURE THAT BREXIT DOES NOT CAUSE FOOD AND OTHER PRICE RISES
The Prime Minister must make sure that Britain does not experience increased prices at the beginning of next year as a result of our departure from the European Single Market and Customs Union. Many economists and others have warned the Prime Minister that a 'no deal' or hard Brexit will push prices up. About half of all food consumed in Britain's restaurants (and 30% of supermarket food items) come from the EU. Indeed, in a 'no deal' scenario, according to the British Retail Consortium, beef and Cheddar cheese, which are imported in large quantities from the Republic of Ireland, will go up in price by 48% and 57% respectively. The price of cucumbers is likely to rise by 16% - with Spanish oranges costing 12% more. Trousers imported from Italy, for instance, are likely to go up 12% - with drinking glasses made in Poland going up 10%. The Prime Minister must ensure that a deal is reached that does not push up prices.