Leading pub operator JD Wetherspoon has issued a new beer mat highlighting its support for the British fishing industry and accusing business leaders of “misleading” the public on Brexit.
Half a million beer mats will be distributed in Wetherspoon’s 893 pubs across the UK, bearing the message that big business has tried to “fool” the public by saying food prices will rise without a deal with the EU.
Wetherspoon’s new beer mat (JD Wetherspoon/PA)
They also state that when the UK leaves the EU in March 2019, Parliament can reclaim rights to the UK’s fishing grounds, ending EU policies which have “devastated” many coastal communities.
Wetherspoon chairman Tim Martin said: “The latest big business scare story is that the UK needs a ‘deal’ with the EU to avoid a ‘cliff edge’.
Wetherspoon argues the public has been misled over Brexit (JD Wetherspoon/PA)
“Senior business people have repeatedly said that food prices will rise dramatically without one.
“This is the reverse of the truth. Parliament can eliminate the tariffs the EU currently charges on food.
“This will reduce prices provided the UK avoids a deal and reverts to World Trade Organisation rules.
“These business leaders should be ashamed of their naked attempt to mislead the public.”