Why should I stockpile and what will I need?

The UK government is urging households to keep enough food, water and basic supplies to manage for three days during a national emergency. Its “Be Ready” campaign cites risks including severe weather, cyber-attacks and supply-chain disruption, and aims to help emergency services focus on urgent needs.

Recommended items include bottled water, non-perishable food, wet wipes, a torch, cash and extra medication where needed. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the advice was not prompted by specific intelligence; disaster-planning expert Lucy Easthope says the UK is lagging behind countries such as those in Scandinavia, while France also advises keeping 72 hours of supplies.