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Supermarkets warn Tory plan to rip up Labour's EU food deal risks driving up prices for shoppers

From the Newshound archive · first published 7 October 2026.

Branded household staples on promotion at a UK supermarket — the industry has warned that the Conservative party's pledge to abolish any EU food alignment deal risks pushing prices for shoppers higher.
Branded household staples on promotion at a UK supermarket — the industry has warned that the Conservative party's pledge to abolish any EU food alignment deal risks pushing prices for shoppers higher.

The Conservative party's promise to tear up any Brexit reset deal Andy Burnham negotiates with the EU risks pushing food prices higher and generating widespread uncertainty for businesses, the industry has warned. Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith described opposition to EU rule alignment as a "red line," while deputy leader Alex Burghart pledged to undo every element of Labour's "disastrous" Brexit reset.

A food and drink alignment deal with Brussels is expected to reduce cross-border checks and bring down supermarket prices — the Tories say they would abolish it in its entirety.

Separately, experts warn the UK is not adequately prepared for food shortages, sharpening concerns about the cost of political uncertainty around future trade arrangements.

MoreFinancial TimesTory plan to rip up UK-EU food deal risks ‘huge uncertainty’iNewsBrexit U-turn on food would drive up prices, supermarkets warn ToriesThe TelegraphUK not prepared for food shortages, experts warn
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