Percy Pigs Could Be Under Threat Due To Brexit

In terrifying news, M&S's Percy Pigs could be under threat due to post-Brexit regulations.

The delicious piggy sweets could become a victim of new regulations, with Marks and Spencer boss Steve Rowe warning that despite the free trade agreement with the EU, new rules could impact shipments between Ireland, the Czech Republic and France.

The good news is that M&S is "actively working to mitigate" the problems, so hopefully if Percy does fall victim, it won't be a permanent issue.

M&S's Percy Pigs could be under threat due to post-Brexit regulations

"Essentially, there is about a third of the product in our food business that is subject to very complex rules of origin arrangements, around the components within it, and how much has been altered in the UK," said Mr Rowe.

"Depending on that there is a variable tariff. Any product that's manufactured in Europe, comes to the UK and is then redistributed to somewhere like Republic of Ireland also, potentially faces a tariff.

"So, the best example is Percy Pig is actually manufactured in Germany, and if it comes to the UK and we then send it to Ireland, in theory, he would have some tax on it."

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Speaking about the issue, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove explained that although there could be initial disruption, which "will get worse before it gets better", things will improve in time.

"There are specific issues that arise because Northern Ireland has a land border with the European Union that is covered by the protocol, part of the Withdrawal Agreement that we have with the European Union, and we are working with supermarkets to ensure that Northern Ireland consumers can have an uninterrupted supply of the products they are used to enjoy," he said.

Mr Rowe said M&S is

"We've been working with ministers in the Northern Ireland executive - from the DUP and all parties - in order to make sure the protocol works, that business in Northern Ireland can continue to have access to the rest of the UK market and Northern Ireland consumers can have access to the goods they need on the shelves.

"We said that there would be some initial disruption, we're ironing it out but the situation will get worse before it gets better."

Might be time to stock up on the Percy's, guys...

Topics: UK News, Tasty Food, Marks and Spencer, food news, Percy Pigs, Tasty

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine