THE managing director of supermarket Iceland has issued a startling warning about the risks of the current Brexit-fuelled supply chain problems.

Richard Walker spoke to Radio 4’s Today programme this morning, following on from supermarkets across the UK facing empty shelves – largely due to a severe shortage of HGV drivers after Brexit.

Recent weeks have also seen Nando’s forced to close restaurants and McDonald’s face a milkshake shortage as the supply drama continues.

Walker, who said his company is experiencing daily issues, told the radio station that the ongoing problems could “cancel” Christmas.

“The reason for sounding the alarm now is that we’ve already had one Christmas cancelled at the last minute and I’d hate this one to be problematic as well,” he said.

READ MORE: Ian Botham sums up everything that's wrong with Brexit Britain

“We’ve had deliveries cancelled for the first time since the pandemic began, about 30-40 deliveries a day. Things like bread, fast-moving lines, are being cancelled in about 100 stores a day,” he explained.

“Soft drinks are 50% less in terms of volume, so it is having an effect at shelf.”

On Christmas, he said Iceland begins stocking up from September. “We’ve got a lot of goods to transport between now and Christmas and a strong supply chain is vital for everyone.”

READ MORE: Joe Biden's administration hits back at Tony Blair in one simple sentence

Asked if the problems Iceland and other companies are experiencing are a result of Brexit, Walker told the programme: “Yes I think so. But it is a self-inflicted wound. I wouldn’t say it’s an inevitable consequence of Brexit.”

His comments come after Co-op boss Steve Murrells described shortages as at a “worst level than at any time I have seen”.