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Sales of two products soar after Andy Burnham stockpile for emergency warning
Sales of emergency supplies increased after the Government launched its “Be Ready” campaign on 22 October, suggesting households responded to advice to prepare for disruptions such as extreme weather or cyberattacks. The rise appears to reflect people adding recommended items to regular shopping, rather than panic buying.
In the 10 days to 2 November 2026, sales of hand sanitiser rose 83%, bottled water 67%, and tinned and jarred goods 37% compared with the same period a year earlier. Spending on tinned and jarred goods increased from £58.2 million to £79.5 million, while bottled water sales rose from £13.6 million to £22.8 million. The campaign also advises households to keep essentials at home and learn how to shut off water, gas and electricity; gas must only be turned back on by a qualified engineer.
In short
- Emergency preparedness advice was followed by higher sales of key supplies.
- Bottled water sales rose 67% year on year.
- The Government recommends storing essentials and learning household shut-offs.
Explained simply
The Government’s Be Ready campaign encourages households to prepare for possible disruptions, including extreme weather and cyberattacks. Its advice includes keeping basic supplies at home and learning how to turn off water, gas and electricity.
Andy Burnham is a British politician, and the headline refers to his reported stockpile of emergency supplies. The campaign’s advice is intended for ordinary household preparation; it does not mean that a disruption is expected. Gas should only be turned back on by a qualified engineer.