The ongoing Iran war could lead to food shortages in Britain, according to a leaked government document. Cobra, the government's emergency committee, drafted a secret analysis codenamed "Exercise Turnstone," reports The Times. In it, they put together contingency plans for a "reasonable worst-case scenario."
Impact on CO2 and Food Production
This was based on the assumption that the Strait of Hormuz had not been reopened and no peace deal had been reached. It focused on CO2 levels falling to just 18 per cent of their current input, which would directly impact the farming and hospitality industries. This is because CO2 is used to extend the shelf life of food products, along with the process of slaughtering pigs and chickens.
Beer Supply at Risk Ahead of World Cup
CO2 is also used in the production of fizzy drinks, which would directly impact breweries across the UK just ahead of the World Cup, when demand is consistently at an all-time high. However, Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, said he was seeking to ensure there would be an adequate supply of beer for fans during the World Cup this summer. He explained: "I raised this issue because if there is a problem with jet fuel on holidays and carbon dioxide on beer, the summer might be pretty depressing for people, but we’re doing everything we can to make sure that it’s not the case."
World Cup and Economic Consequences
The World Cup is due to kick off on June 11, less than six weeks from now. However, he warned: "You’re going to see prices go up a bit as a consequence of what Donald Trump has done in the Middle East. That’s probably going to come online not just in the next few weeks, but the next few months. There’s going to be a long tail from this." Mr Jones continued: "I think our best guess is eight-plus months from the point of resolution that you’ll see economic impacts coming through the system." He added: "The government here in the UK, the work that I’m doing with the prime minister is looking at all of those things and saying, ‘What can we do within our power to help people to get through those difficult times?’"
