Hot cross buns under threat as our furious farmers strike for first time

HOT cross buns could be in short supply this Easter as farmers stage the sector's first ever strike in protest against Rachel Reeves' inheritance tax raid.

- By Steph Spyго Deputy Political Editor

They will refuse to supply milling wheat this month.

The move which is designed to highlight concerns over food security and UK reliance on imports is expected to impact the availability of flour and bakery products ahead of Easter.

Farmer and protest organiser Andrew Ward said: "We want empty shelves, that's what we want.

"We've got to the stage now where everything else isn't working. We have to create a food shortage.

When asked about the impact on consumers ahead of Easter, he added: "When is a good time?

"We've been going with this now since November 19. Four months later, nothing's happened. The Government hasn't changed. We have to now do something different and change the goal posts. We need to be very mindful about annoying the public and losing their support.

"But at the same time we need to change direction and do something different."

Standing behind 250 tons of milling wheat, which he said could create about 450,000 loaves, Mr Ward added: "It might be April Fool's day but food shortages are no joke.'