Burnham plays down Rayner's wine joke in emergency prep campaign

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 12:21 · Archive

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said alcohol should not be 'top of the list' when challenged on Angela Rayner's joking reference to stockpiling sauvignon blanc.

The government has launched a 'Be Ready' campaign encouraging households to prepare for emergencies including cyber attacks, wildfires and flooding. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has advised people to stockpile essentials such as three litres of bottled water per person per day, tinned food, cash, batteries, a radio, toilet roll and baby food for three days.

At a wildfire summit in Liverpool, Prime Minister Andy Burnham was asked about Housing Secretary Angela Rayner's previous comment at Labour conference that she would pack 'mascara, concealer... a bottle of sauvignon blanc' in an emergency bag. Burnham said alcohol should not be 'top of the list' and that people would need to keep a 'clear head' in a challenging situation, though he acknowledged people might have 'a glass or two'.

Treasury minister James Murray made light of the campaign by quipping that the only thing he stockpiles at home is coffee. Critics have accused the government of giving 'bossy lectures' and 'encouraging panic' whilst failing to increase defence spending.

How it is being reported

• Andy Burnham defends emergency kit list and gives verdict on stockpiling wineAndy Burnham said unexpected weather events are becoming 'more and more common' as he faced questions about the emergency kit list Brits are encouraged to make sure they stockpileThe Mirror · 23 Oct, 13:14
• Burnham downplays adding alcohol to emergency food kits after Rayner’s ‘sauvignon blanc’ quipMr Burnham’s advice comes as the government unveils its ‘Be Ready’ campaign urging the public to prepare three days of key suppliesThe Independent · 23 Oct, 12:24
• Andy Burnham Rebukes Angela Rayner Over Emergency Wine JokeBritain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham, left, and Britain's Housing Secretary Angela Rayner sit in The Hub Cafe during a visit to the town centre of Ilkeston, Derbyshire, England, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. Andy Burnham has distanced himself from Angela Rayner’s joke about including sauvignon blanc in her emergency supply kit. The government is rolling out a new “be ready” campaign, urging Brits to be prepared in case everyday supplies are disrupted. Defence secretary Wes Streeting has encouraged households to stockpile essential items, like three litres of bottled water per person per day, in…HuffPost UK · 23 Oct, 12:00
• Burnham's doomsday prepper descends into farce as he is forced to play down Rayner's joke about stockpiling white wine... and minister quips he has plenty of coffeeAndy Burnham said alcohol should not be 'top of the list' as he was challenged on Angela Rayner's previous light-hearted approach to emergency warnings.Daily Mail · 23 Oct, 11:21

In this story: Andy Burnham · Angela Rayner · Wes Streeting · James Murray

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