The backlog will add to concerns over how UK industry will cope with the key Christmas period.

The process is likely to be painful for many business and workers since there will likely be job losses and social disruptions in the years ahead.

“By retaining unneeded estate, the department wastes resources that could support frontline personnel."

The Met have confirmed that Prince "Andrew will not be arrested, as that would only happen for something much more serious, like protesting about climate change or against government policies," wrote the parody Boris Johnson Twitter account.

“This small metal sign is an embarrassment and reveals the incoherence and futility of the ideology of ‘retain and explain'.”

"I was two seconds from the end thinking "why is this good?". Then I snorted some tea. Brilliant."

"I'm presuming Johnson knew this was about to break, seeing as he couldn't jet off on his jollies quick enough?"

It comes amid a feud in Whitehall as the Treasury flatly denied having been in talks with the Business Department over any support.

But Sir David warns: “Despite the overwhelming benefits of a healthy planet, many human actions are destroying biodiversity.”