Mick Hucknall, the frontman of Simply Red and outspoken Remainer, has fanned the flames of the Brexit debate after supermarkets began rationing supplies of fresh produce.
Taking to Twitter, the pop star urged European contacts to share photos exposing the stark contrast with the UK's empty shelves.
"Can my European friends please post photos of your supermarket food shortages? Thanks #BrexitBenefits," Hucknall tweeted, his sarcasm dripping.
The move comes as British supermarkets like Tesco and Asda limit customer purchases of tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables. The cause? Poor weather disrupting supplies from Spain and Morocco. This, however, hasn't stopped critics from blaming Britain's exit from the European Union. They argue that Brexit-related red tape has made the UK a less attractive market for suppliers.
Hucknall's call for photographic evidence was met with a flurry of responses supposedly showing well-stocked supermarkets across Europe. Others countered this, pointing to similar shortages plaguing Ireland – an EU member.
The debate is far from settled. Former Sainsbury's CEO Justin King insists Brexit has significantly harmed British supermarkets. Speaking on LBC radio, he pointed to the decline of UK greenhouses that once supplied the country with tomatoes.
Liz Webster, of the Save British Farming lobby group, adds that the government ignored predictable, Brexit-related consequences for the farming industry.
The UK's reliance on Morocco as a food source has increased notably since Brexit, amplifying the impact of supply chain disruptions.
Whether you blame the weather, Brexit, or a combination of factors, one thing is clear: Mick Hucknall has ensured the debate over Britain's future outside the EU will remain a heated one.