Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has for a hardship fund to assist people in greatest difficulty in the event that food prices rise following the UK exiting the EU without a deal.

HM Treasury routinely monitors economic conditions and risks, and the Government has a range of mechanisms available to support vulnerable people from price rises in food. We stand ready to take appropriate action in the event the UK exits the EU without a deal.

Furthermore, officials estimate the direct impact of spending decisions on household living standards, and would continue to do so in any no deal response. This is a central consideration when allocating public funds.

The temporary tariff regime, as confirmed on 8 October, took into account, amongst other things, the need to help mitigate any price rises that could affect UK consumers and supply chains. This was a key consideration when setting tariffs on all goods, including food.