Jacob Rees-Mogg has blamed UK's labour shortage on "disruptions" caused by "Covid", rather than "Brexit" or "European labour movements". The comments came as about 200 military personnel - half of them drivers - are being deployed as part of Operation Escalin in an effort to increase the number of HGV drivers.

       “We haven't got enough of a workforce to deliver things.”

       Mr Rees-Mogg responded: “How many of those are lorry drivers?”

       Ms Tominey said: “I don't know. You tell me.

       Mr Rees-Mogg said: “I will tell you – 12,000.

       The Military has begun helping to deliver fuel to petrol stations this morning as parts of the country continue to struggle with shortages.