Nervous Brits stockpile food with 'Brexit box' during uncertainty

An increasing number of British people are stockpiling food ahead of Brexit in fear that the UK will crash out of the European Union with no-deal, leading to shortages of food and medicine.

Manufacturer Emergency Food Storage said around 600 people have purchased a EUR331 "Brexit box" since it launched the product in December.

The box includes 60 freeze-dried meals, 48 portions of meat, a water filter and firestarter. The company said the box has a 25-year lifespan.

"I think people are concerned with the Brexit outcome, it's a bit of a chaotic situation", James Blake, managing director of the firm, told .

"We are in a situation where we don't have a good deal, which possibly might not go through... and there could be a problem with borders", he added.

Blake said there is "most definitely" stronger demand for the box as the day the UK is set to leave the bloc nears.

Ahead of the March 29 departure date, business groups warned a no-deal Brexit could cause disarray to food and medical supply chains and cause ports to be blocked.

Blake, who started the firm in 2009, said customers of the Brexit box range from the "everyday Joe" to "doctors, lawyers, and directors of companies".

On social media, people have shared what they are stockpiling ahead of a no-deal exit.

Users on discussion forums such as parenting website Mumsnet , have also shared their "Brexit day preperation" shopping lists.

London's Metropolitan Police have advised shops to hire extra security in the event of a no-deal Brexit as the public could fear potential food shortages, which may lead to crowd-control issues.

However, according to the Financial Times newspaper, the UK government said stockpiling is "unnecessary" and "unhelpful", as panic buying will cause food shortages.

Ministers will vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal on Tuesday, which is widely expected to be voted down.