UK delis could be forced to put up prices after new Brexit tax

Plan to charge 43 per consignment could see some small businesses struggle to stay open

Many UK businesses which import food products from the European Union will have to pay a special Brexit tax" that will further drive up prices, particularly in smaller shops such as delicatessens, under proposals set out by the government last week.

The planned charge of 43 per consignment, outlined in a consultation document issued by the Department for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), was described on Saturday by a leading industry figure as the sting in the tail of a post-Brexit food inspection regime" that was already fuelling inflation.