Burnham suggests stocking up on tinned food and bottled water

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has advised residents to stockpile tinned food and bottled water to prepare for emerging emergencies. Speaking at a wildfire resilience summit in Liverpool, Burnham stated that unexpected events are becoming increasingly common due to severe weather and digital vulnerabilities. The government has formally recommended that households maintain three days’ worth of essential supplies to manage crises ranging from war and online attacks to natural disasters. This guidance forms part of a new national campaign titled Be Ready, which aims to shift the country from a reactive stance to a proactive approach regarding emergency preparedness. The specific checklist developed by officials urges families to store nine litres of water per person, sufficient for a three-day period. Non-perishable items such as tinned meat, vegetables, and dried fruit are also included. Additional recommended items include a battery or wind-up FM radio, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, toiletries, pet food, baby supplies, a torch, blankets, a charged power bank, cash, a first aid kit, and copies of vital documents. Officials noted that during a national crisis, the BBC would prioritize broadcasting news and safety information via FM radio, making it the primary communication channel if severe power cuts occur. Burnham clarified that the advice is intended to encourage sensible preparation rather than panic. He emphasized the need to have enough resources to tide individuals over during difficult situations. When asked about Housing Secretary Angela Rayner’s earlier humorous suggestion to include a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in her emergency kit, Burnham conceded that alcohol might help after the hard work of managing a crisis is done. However, he personally prefers sticking to basics like beans, soup, and Twiglets. Rayner had previously listed mascara, concealer, baked beans, and custard among her preferred emergency items during Labour’s conference last month. Treasury minister James Murray admitted on BBC Breakfast that he has not yet fully followed the stockpiling guidance, though he noted that neighboring nations including Ireland, France, and the Netherlands have issued similar advice for some time. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated she is always stocked up for the week. The timing of the campaign coincides with ongoing storms battering the United Kingdom and a major security flaw in PHP software that recently caused widespread online disruption. The National Audit Office warned last month that Britain’s food supply chain faces rising risks from cyber-attacks and climate change. The body criticized the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs for failing to sufficiently improve supply chain resilience in recent years. The chief executive of the Cold Chain Federation told the BBC that Russian cyber-hackers are targeting the UK, specifically identifying pinch points within the food distribution system. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting indicated that cyber incidents will likely increase as artificial intelligence makes it easier to bypass traditional defenses. He cited threats from hostile states, organized crime, and climate change, describing the current threat level as higher than at any point in his lifetime. In response to the escalating challenges, the government announced a new wildfire response plan that includes the deployment of military aircraft. Burnham acknowledged the impact of current weather events, expressing concern for residents in Cornwall who have lost power. He maintained that the government is engaging in necessary conversations about resilience to ensure the population is better equipped for future disruptions. The European Commission similarly advised EU citizens last year to maintain a 72-hour emergency kit containing food, water, cash, and power banks.