Humiliation for Lib Dems as Vince Cable’s claims that Brexit has led to strawberry shortage is revealed as ‘fake news’
Sales of British strawberries ballooned to £1.6 million and are being sold to customers as far as Uruguay and China, official figures show
A Lib Dem chief's scare stories about Brexit causing a shortage in strawberries was branded “fake news” after official figures revealed a surge in export sales since last year’s referendum vote.
Sales of British strawberries ballooned to £1.6 million and are being sold to customers as far as Uruguay and China.
They are among a string of Wimbledon-related products that have seen a rise in exports over the last year - including £25 million worth of cream.
The UK is the biggest exporter of gin - worth £475 million a year in exports for UK businesses.
And British firms also sold £5.2 million worth of tennis balls, rackets and other tennis equipment last year.
It is a humiliation for Sir Vince Cable - the only candidate to replace Tim Farron as Lib Dem leader - after he falsely warned about a strawberry shortage.
He claimed Brexit had already damaged Wimbledon’s strawberry supplies.
Tory MP Philip Davies fumed: “It appears that Vince Cable is determined to take the Lib Dems to a new all-time low with his Brexit-bashing fake news.”
International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox said the positive export figures were the latest proof that British products will only become more popular across the world after Brexit.
He told The Sun: “At Wimbledon this year, not only will you see the world’s best tennis players, you will see the best of British products and services take centre stage.
“As an international economic department, we are committed to supporting UK businesses across the country make the most of the global demand that is out there.”