First Minister Humza Yousaf warns import charges will increase weekly food shop
It could result in fees of up to £145 on things like fish and yoghurt.
The First Minister Humza Yousaf is warning new import charges will push up the average weekly shopping bill.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) outlined how the changes will work last week.
Known as the common user charge, it will come into force on April 30 and it could mean fees of up to £145 on items like fish, cheese and yoghurt.
Mr Yousaf said the import costs could lead to an increase in food prices, which will impact vulnerable communities across the UK.
Ahead of a visit to the 65 Club - a social hub for over-55s in Prestwick, South Ayrshire - he said: "Household budgets across Scotland have been decimated by the cost-of-living crisis, Liz Truss's mini-budget and Brexit, and news that the cost of a weekly shop is likely to rise once more will be deeply concerning, particularly for older folk."
Mr Yousaf said it is a "direct result" of the UK Government's "mismanagement and unconscionable commitment to Brexit", which he said is "harming" Scotland's economy, business and communities.
He added: "Meanwhile, Scots - especially older members of communities like Prestwick - are also feeling the full effects of other Tory policies that they have not voted for, including (the) impact of 14 years of austerity.
"The Scottish Government is doing all we can to mitigate the harm inflicted on Scotland - with policies like a national council tax freeze - but the key powers to reverse the economic harm inflicted currently lie at Westminster."
However, he said the "damage" will continue until Scotland is independent.
A UK Government spokesperson said: "The charge is designed to recover the costs of operating our world-class border facilities where essential biosecurity checks will protect our food supply, farmers and environment against costly disease outbreaks entering the UK through the short straits.
"We are committed to supporting businesses of all sizes and across all sectors as they adapt to new border checks, while our analysis shows the implementation of these checks will have a minimal impact on food prices."
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