British florists have warned that border disruption after a no-deal Brexit risks jeopardising winter weddings.
Delays of even a few hours after Britain leaves the European Union on October 31 could have “devastating” consequences for flower sellers, according to industry leaders.
The UK imports about 95 per cent of its flowers, with the vast majority coming from or via the Netherlands. The British Florist Association fears that snags along trade routes such as the Channel tunnel would imperil its key supply chains, along which Kenyan roses can travel to Kent in days.
Brian Wills-Pope, chairman of the association, said his biggest worry about a no-deal exit was that florists would struggle to provide specific varieties for weddings, funerals, birthdays and anniversaries in the following weeks.