Food supplies to be affected, but not medicine

Thursday 31 January 2019

While some supermarket shelves may be left looking bare, the States have been told to be confident in our medicinal, fuel and chemical supplies once Brexit finally happens.

As negotiations continue ahead of the UK leaving the EU at the end of March, Deputy Gavin St Pier has given his most comprehensive update yet on how it is all going to affect the Bailiwick.

He told the States yesterday that "every reasonable eventuality" has been considered, and that Guernsey "continues its preparations for whatever situation may exist beyond March 2019."

Pictured: Part of Deputy St Pier's statement to the States yesterday. 

In terms of what actually is happening and how it affects Guernsey and the rest of the Bailiwick, the situation remains unclear.

As Deputy St Pier told the States, the UK's Withdrawal Agreement remains under debate and until a revised version of it is accepted and finalised, the States of Guernsey are unable to make any firm arrangements or agreements. He said that when the UK finalises its deal then the States of Guernsey will be asked to debate a policy letter outlining the islands position and response to Brexit.

In the meantime, talks have continued between the island's senior politicians and representatives in the UK.

Deputy St Pier said there is little else we can do at the moment.

"Brexit has been and will remain a very frustrating process. We did not participate in the UK's referendum. We did not ask for it. But its delivery is affecting us. It is drawing time, people and money away from our own government's priorities. But there is no point in complaining about it; instead, we must just pragmatically get on with it."

Pictured: Deputy St Pier addressed the States yesterday. 

Some immediate concerns which the public have had over the looming Brexit have included any disruption to the supply chains for the essential items like food and medicines.

Deputy St Pier said there could be an impact on our food supplies here, if places like Portsmouth experience delays post-Brexit.

That would affect the movement of freight and while Deputy St Pier said it is not expected that any supply chain will shut off, even temporarily, he warned; "there may be some things we are used to seeing on the shelves year-round that might not be available until the supply lines adjust to the 'new normal.' This may mean consumers notice a reduction in choice for a period. This will be similar to disruptions that we already occasionally experience in the supply of fresh foods for short periods, for various reasons. There could also be a knock on impact on prices."

He said the States are talking to involved parties, like supermarkets, retailers, wholesalers and the freight industry, to work out what it can do to protect our food supplies.

Pictured: One of Guernsey's supermarkets. 

Deputy St Pier has tried to allay fears about any shortages of medicine, by explaining that the islands have been included in the UK's contingency plans for medicines, which includes stock management being undertaken by NHS suppliers ahead of Brexit.

He said that means the Committee for Health and Social Care doesn't need to stockpile medicines and medical supplies but that the States will continue to work with the UK Government and relevant UK authorities to regularly review this in light of any disruption at Portsmouth.

Deputy St Pier also confirmed alternative options have been researched as part of the States work on emergency planning.

Pictured: HSC has been told it doesn't need to stockpile medicines and medical supplies ahead of Brexit.

At the moment, Guernsey's electricity is being generated on-island due to technical faults with the island's power cable but long term Deputy St Pier isn't expecting our electricity or wider fuel supplies to be affected.

He also said the vital chemicals the island needs to import to ensure a clean water supply, sewage processing, hospital cleaning and maintenance, manufacturing at Guernsey Dairy, and airport operations, as well as for other food-health related purposes, won't be affected adversely. But, a stock review of the most essential chemicals has ensured provision has been secured for the immediate future.

Pictured top: Deputy Gavin St Pier has given the most wide ranging update on Brexit to date, which can be read here.