Northumberland Labour is aware of mounting problems in food distribution, leaving shelves empty, especially in local shops in rural areas. Local rural communities are being left high and dry with many who have no access to decent public transport to find the products they need.

Much has been made of the pandemic and the requirement to self isolate having an impact on food distribution, but Northumberland Labour says the problem is partially down to the impact of Brexit and the resulting shortage of lorry drivers.

Leader Scott Dickinson said: “Whatever side you were on in the Brexit debate, there’s no doubt that now we’re dealing with after effects.

“Whether it’s a shortage of people to join the NHS or critical other public services or pick fruit and vegetables, work in hospitality or, in this case drive lorries to deliver vital food, it just goes to show what an absolute shambles the whole thing is.

“Through our council leaders and through Labour at a national level we will be pressing the government to explain why this situation has developed and what they’re planning to do about it.

“If this is them doing their best it’s just not good enough.”