Brexit: DUP's Sammy Wilson says people should 'go to the chippy' in case of food shortages

The DUP's Sammy Willson was attacked by SNP and Green MPs over the comment

A member of the DUP has faced criticism after suggesting people “go to the chippy” in response to suggestions a no-deal Brexit could lead to food shortages.

Sammy Wilson made the comment in the House of Commons this week during a debate on the next steps to Brexit.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, who was sitting in front of the DUP MPs who help prop up Theresa May’s majority, said the party should be “ashamed”.

But the DUP’s Gavin Robinson told BBC News NI that the remark should “not be taken too seriously”.

Mr Wilson made the comment from a seated position while SNP leader Ian Blackford was speaking about the potential impact on food supplies of a no-deal Brexit.

Mr Blackford did not at first hear the comment, but Ms Lucas later raised it with him to ask whether or not he shared her anger at Mr Wilson’s words.

The SNP MP said: “I’m sorry to hear that that was a remark that was made.

“You know this is a really important debate and I think there is a responsibility that we take these matters seriously, each and every one of us.”

Mr Robinson, the DUP MP for East Belfast, later told BBC Radio: “If it was said, it was said in humour and I’m sure it was received as such.”