Shoppers are clearing supermarket shelves of bottled water and baked beans after the Government issued guidance urging households to prepare a three-day "survival kit." Several brands of bottled water have sold out on online grocers, and non-perishable goods are reported to be in short supply.
Government Advice Triggers Stockpiling
The guidance, launched as part of the Government's "Be Ready" campaign, advises households to keep non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets and a radio in case a cyber-attack or extreme weather event disrupts critical infrastructure. Households are encouraged to be equipped to manage for at least three days without access to supermarkets or electronic payments.
An Ocado spokesperson told The Times: "We've seen an increase in demand for some products over the weekend and are working with our supply-chain partners to increase availability as soon as possible." The spokesperson added that shoppers should keep "checking back" as the brand aims to resupply its shelves.
Defence Warning Over 2030 Threat
The stockpiling comes as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned that Britain is running out of time to improve its defences alongside Nato allies. Streeting said enemies could be in a position to attack by 2030, stating: "My defining priority... is to make sure that this country is ready to fight and win a war. To prevent the worst, we have to prepare for it."
He added: "In the first instance, that means expanding our capabilities so our adversaries think twice about attacking us. Should that fail, we must ensure that Britain is ready for war."
Preparing for the Worst
Streeting told The Telegraph he is preparing for the worst in 2027, saying: "Our adversaries' willingness to harm us is not new. What has changed is their capacity. By 2030, their force strength and war economy could put them in a position to attack."
He continued: "That gives us a little over 1,000 days to complete our mission: to be ready with our allies to fight and win. This Government will make sure it is mission accomplished."
The campaign began after websites across the world were shut down when two AI companies discovered a critical cyber-security flaw in PHP. The advice also covers supporting communities and accessing extra help, with households encouraged to keep torches, spare batteries, warm clothing and a charged power bank among their essential supplies.
