World

An endless sight of empty shelves to be stark reality for UK consumers

Published

2 years ago

September 15, 2021

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Brexit, COVID-19 and labour shortfall are among many factors contributing to food shortages across the European nation.

A shortage of delivery drivers also contributing to scarce food supplies

Food and drink shortages in the United Kingdom (UK) caused by Brexit and the pandemic could become permanent as the British government moves to further delay the introduction of import checks.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was planning to introduce checks on European imports following the conclusion of the Brexit transition.

But Brexit Minister David Frost says checks on imported consumable products will be halted by another six months, and will now commence in July 2022.

There was also a requirement to notify border officials of any incoming food products arriving in the UK from Europe, which will also be delayed until January.

The new measures were initially postponed last year as the Covid pandemic took hold of the world, in a bid to avoid British citizens from going without food and other vital supplies.

A bid to fill empty shelves

This latest delay comes as shelves throughout the UK remain empty with supermarkets struggling to keep their shelves fully stocked.

A lack in delivery drivers is also a key contributor, with demand for products outweighing the number of lorry drivers available.

Henry Bloxham of Moors Covert Farm told the BBC that he was asked to dump his milk as it couldn’t be collected due to a shortage of drivers.

“Our costs are rising all the time and I’m just envisioning this winter is going to be very expensive,” Bloxham says.

“Unless we get more price increases going forward into the winter, there will not be milk on the shelves.”

The UK needs an extra 100,000 truck drivers to accomodate for the shortage of food transportation, according to the Road Haulage Association.

In addition, the industry is calling for the government to respond to labour shortages in order to boost their recovery.

“Labour shortages are biting right across the economy,” said CIB director-general Tony Danker.

“These shortages are already affecting business operations and will have a negative impact on the UK’s economic recovery.”

Europe is the most important source of food for Britons, accounting for 30 percent of the country’s total supply.

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World

Ukraine prepares for a summer of violence

Published

20 hours ago

May 31, 2023

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Is support for the war waning after the conflict has surpassed 1-year and millions of dollars?

After a Russian air assault on Kyiv in which one civilian was killed, residential buildings in wealthy districts of Moscow were hit by multiple drone strikes injuring two people.

The Kremlin is claiming that most of the drone strikes which happened during broad daylight—were intercepted.

A Russian politician said the attack on the capital was the most dangerous since World War II.

Russia says Ukraine launched the attack and has vowed to bolster their air defenses.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is denying direct involvement, having just recently suffered three air attacks within a 24-hour time span.

Last month, leaked Department of Defense documents revealed possible weak links in Ukraine’s military campaign against Russian forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine with tens of thousands of troops more than a year ago and there appears to be no end in sight.

Business

“I think there is a great risk”: will AI steal our jobs?

Published

20 hours ago

May 31, 2023

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Artificial Intelligence has become an increasingly powerful and pervasive force in our modern world.

Artificial intelligence is not a new concept. However, the growing advancements have the potential to revolutionise industries, improve efficiency, and enhance the quality of life.

Along with its promising advancements, artificial intelligence also brings certain risks and challenges that must be acknowledged and addressed.

It has become the focus of lawmakers, who are working towards greater regulation of the sector.

U.S. and European Union officials recently met in Sweden to weigh up the benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

“The AI process is creeping up on us,” said Dr Keith Suter, who is a global futurist.

“You’ve got competition between companies.”

It’s almost like some of us can see this raft that’s heading towards the rapids and a disappearance towards the waterfall, and we’re giving a warning but it’s not being heeded because everybody’s in this race to get down to the river,” Dr Suter said.

World

Should there be more resources available to American Veterans?

Published

21 hours ago

May 31, 2023

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Millions of Americans have served the country, but is there enough support for veterans?

Over the course of the nation’s history, the United States has declared war and fought in conflicts around the world with more than 41-million Americans having fought for freedom.

There are millions of Veterans in the United States who proudly served their country. But, are there enough services to help and support veterans– especially those who suffered atrocities during conflicts?

U.S. Army Veteran Ricoh Danielson joins us to discuss. #uspolitics #Ricoh Danielson #veterans #military #supportveterans #veronicadudo #freedom