Burnham defends advice to stockpile food and water for emergencies

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 12:58 · Archive

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has defended government advice for households to stockpile three days' worth of tinned food and bottled water. The recommendation is meant to prepare for emergencies including war, cyber-attacks or natural disasters. Burnham said such unexpected events 'seem to be becoming more and more common', citing recent storms battering the UK and online disruption caused by a major security flaw.

When asked about the stockpiling advice, Burnham said: 'You need to have a clear head when it comes to a challenging situation. So some tins of food, some bottled water, I think maybe.' He also suggested that people should be allowed 'a glass or two' of wine to help them through a difficult situation, in a light-hearted response to remarks made by Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, who previously joked that her emergency box would include a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

Burnham rejected suggestions that the government was asking people to stockpile because it had failed in its responsibilities. The National Audit Office last month warned that Britain's food supply chain is at risk given growing threats from cyber-attacks and the climate crisis, and said the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs had not done enough to improve supply chain resilience.

How it is being reported

• Burnham suggests stocking up on tinned food and bottled waterThe prime ministers says unexpected events seem to be becoming more common and it was wise to prepare.BBC Politics · 23 Oct, 12:43
• Burnham defends stockpiling advice as ‘unexpected events’ become more commonThe Prime Minister suggested people should be allowed a glass of wine to help get them through a crisis along with the recommended supplies.Evening Standard · 23 Oct, 11:22

In this story: Andy Burnham · Angela Rayner · UK · National Audit Office · Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs

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