Brexit means we could run out of toilet paper in the UK

Brexit poses a risk to the UK's toilet roll supply (Photograph: Getty Images) - Credit: Getty Images/moodboard RF

Boris Johnson coined the phrase ‘bog roll Brexit’ to explain how the government’s plan was unravelling, but the term might have a new meaning given the latest revelation about Brexit.

There are fears that the United Kingdom could run out of toilet roll in the event of Brexit – especially if it crashes out of the European Union in five months’ time.

According to Denis MacShane each Brit consumes 110 toilet rolls a year – that is two and a half times the European average.

MORE: Daniel Hannan says he’s lost friends over BrexitThe former Europe minister said that the UK only has one day’s supply of toilet paper in stock at any time, and that stockpile would soon be wiped out if it crashes out of the EU customs union and single market.

MacShane told Prospect: ‘If Britain leaves the EU Customs Union and single market in five months’ time and the trucks transporting toilet paper are held up at Calais or Dover, British bottoms will have to be wiped with torn-up newspapers as in bygone days.’

MORE: May’s argument against a People’s Vote destroyed in 40 seconds on BBC NewsThere has been much discussion around the stockpiling of food, medicine and drugs in the event of a no-deal Brexit, but the fact the UK may need to stockpile toilet roll shows how dire the situation could get.

Tesco and Aldi has already said it is looking at plans to stockpile non-food goods.