The Prime Minister has used the Tory conference to downplay the societal and economic impact already being felt around the UK by leaving the European Union.

At gas stations, there’s fuel rationing and hours-long lineups. At the supermarket, there’s sometimes no milk or meat, and warnings that Christmas turkeys may be unavailable – along with Christmas trees and many popular toys. Building materials are so scarce that construction sites have shut down.

The decision to limit immigration at a time of severe market shortages of drivers has escalated a squeeze into a crisis.