Britain said on Wednesday that people should normally buy goods before Christmas and that there will be no shortage of gifts after sea containers of toys and electrical goods were diverted from the country’s largest port as it was overcrowded.
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has diverted several vessels from the port of Felixstowe in the east of England because there is nowhere to stack containers in the port due to a lack of truck drivers.
“I’m sure people will be able to get their toys for Christmas,” said Conservative co-chair Oliver Dowd of Sky. He said he was confident that Christmas presents would be delivered this year.
Dowd, a cabinet member without a portfolio in the cabinet, said port problems were easing and supply chain problems facing the world’s fifth-largest economy were global, such as a shortage of truckers and port congestion.
“The situation is improving,” said Dowd, referring to Felixstowe, which handles 36% of the country’s containerized cargo.
When asked if people should start shopping for Christmas now, he replied: “I would say, just buy as usual.”
He said Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who is on holiday abroad, is very busy with domestic and international issues. “He is very passionate about his work.”
According to the International Monetary Fund, the UK economy will grow by 6.8% this year, the fastest growth among the G7’s leading economies, although supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures are holding back the global economy.