PM asked for ‘emergency’ food deal, claims Brazilian president

The Brazilian president has claimed Prime minister Boris Johnson requested an “emergency” deal to ease shortages of a food product.

President Jair Bolsonaro, made the claim about Johnson’s request after their meeting earlier this week at the UN general assembly in New York.

Speaking in his weekly webcast, Bolsonaro said Johnson “wants an emergency agreement with us to import some kind of food that is lacking in England”. He did not specify what the product was.

The UK government reportedly regards Mr Bolsonaro’s remarks as false.

It has been speculated that Mr Johnson may have requested a deal regarding turkey supplies for the upcoming Christmas season, given recent warnings of shortages from the meat industry.

Brazil is currently the world’s third highest producer of poultry.

The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, said earlier today that he would “move heaven and earth” to solve the nationwide shortage of truck drivers and said motorists should “carry on as normal” and advised people against panic-buying.