Why Do Brexiteers Keep Lying About the Food Shortages When We Can All See the Empty Shelves in the Supermarkets?
At a time when supermarkets across the UK are facing issues with empty shelves, many skeptical Brexiteers continue to blame the UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU). However, this can be misleading, as the root causes of supermarket shortages are much deeper and complex than simply Brexit. Let's delve into the true causes and misconceptions surrounding the empty shelves.The Empty Shelves Conundrum
Empty shelves in supermarkets are often attributed to a lack of cheap labor from less developed parts of the EU. Prior to Brexit, British employers had an easier time employing workers from the EU, leading to a situation where these workers were exploited due to EU regulations. Now, with stricter labor laws, employers have to pay fair wages to their employees, which has resulted in fewer vacant jobs that can be filled by cheap labor.Moreover, it is important to recognize that the current shortages and empty shelves in supermarkets are not a direct result of Brexit. Instead, they are the result of a combination of factors, including the ongoing pandemic and global conflicts. Specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant staff shortages, and the war in Ukraine has led to food and energy shortages, exacerbating the situation in the UK.
There are also logistical challenges that have led to the empty shelves. These include technological failures, factory fires, fuel supply issues, and a shortage of HGV drivers. Each of these issues is interlinked and contributes to the overall perception of a shortage of food.
Understanding the Reality
Contrary to the claims made by some Brexiteers, it is not a case of lying but rather a failure to grasp the reality of the current situation. The world today faces numerous challenges, none of which can be attributed solely to Brexit. The global pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions are all contributing factors to the current state of the UK's supermarkets.A common misconception is that New Zealand, a country that is geographically isolated, does not have similar issues. However, New Zealand, like the UK, faces its own logistical challenges. These problems arise from issues such as imports, factory fires, and supply chain disruptions, which are common across many developed countries.
Logistical Issues and Their Impact
There are several logistical issues that have led to the perceived food shortages in the UK. Here are some of the key issues: Fuel Supply Issues: Fires in factories and fuel supply disruptions caused by vandalism and blockades by groups such as NEETs (not in education, employment, or training) have led to practical problems for delivery trucks and store shelves. HGV Driver Shortage: Due to a lack of training and poaching of drivers by competing businesses, there is insufficient talent to fill the positions, leading to a shortage of drivers. Port Disruptions: The ongoing pandemic has resulted in port restrictions and delays, causing goods to remain on freighters. For instance, a significant number of chicken imports have faced delays as a result of these restrictions.It is clear that the empty shelves in British supermarkets are primarily due to logistical issues rather than a shortage of food. The current situation is a result of a variety of factors, many of which predate Brexit.