End of fish and chips: Several UK chippies may not survive 'volatile' market, MP warns

Fish and chip shops across Britain face mass closures as they face soaring fish prices and spiralling energy bills.

1,000 shops in Yorkshire alone are at risk as since October 2021, the price of cod has risen by 75 percent, haddock by 81 percent, mushy peas by 120 percent and batter by 40 percent. They are also not protected by the energy price cap so costs have simply become unsustainable.

Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen relayed fears to the Government and asked them to set out what action they are going to take to “protect the future of our fish and chip shops”, which are a “great part of British life”.

He asked the Commons about an “award-winning” fish and chip shop in his constituency: “The owner tells me the business outlook has never been more volatile, with record price rises for fish, batter, fat, wrapping paper and of course, energy.

“Many fish and chip shops are worried about whether they are actually going to survive, so could we have a statement from the Government about what action the Government is going to take to ensure they protect the future of our fish and chip shops, a great part of British life?”

Commons Leader Mark Spencer replied: “I declare my interest in fish and chips. Take-aways are a huge part of the night-time economy. Those businesses are actually a service they provide to our community and they should be supported. I wish not only his fish and chip shop well, but all fish and chip shops all around the country.”

The Leeds-based National Federation of Fish Friers state that while chip shops will need to drastically increase prices of their offerings, they urge people to support their local fish and chip shops during such a challenging time.

The NFFF are also encouraging the government to reconsider its planned 20 per cent hike on VAT in April which has caused widespread concern among industry leaders.