Shoppers rush to stockpile after Labour emergency warning

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 10:44 · Archive

Supermarkets across the UK have reported shortages of bottled water, baked beans and batteries after the government warned of potential disruption from cyberattacks and extreme weather.

UK supermarkets have reported significant shortages of essential goods following the Labour government's warning of potential disruption from cyberattacks, extreme weather and hostile state threats. Online retailer Ocado listed several brands of bottled water as out of stock, whilst shoppers also struggled to find baked beans and batteries. Iceland reported a 40 per cent increase in tinned product sales over the weekend and strong sales of bottled water, with supplies described as remaining healthy.

Other retailers reported even sharper increases in emergency supplies. Robert Dyas saw a 160 per cent increase in radio sales compared to the previous week. Maplin reported increases of 92 per cent in radios, 284 per cent in torches and 106 per cent in power banks, with the managing director noting that torch sales nearly quadrupled and radio sales almost doubled in three days following the announcement.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting described the stockpiling as 'encouraging', saying that having everyday essentials at home helps households prepare for disruption from flooding, power cuts or burst pipes. Ocado said it was working with supply-chain partners to increase availability and urged customers to check back or arrange later deliveries.

How it is being reported

• Supermarkets run out of water and baked beans as Britons rush to stockpile after Labour's call for emergency kitsUK retailers are selling out of bottled water and baked beans after Defence Secretary Wes Streeting's call for Britons to stockpile, new data has revealed. According to figures, some retailers have seen a boost in sales following the announcement of Labour's "Be Ready" scheme. Shoppers at online grocer Ocado found key essentials such as batteries, water, and baked beans unavailable shortly after the launch. Supermarket chain Iceland has seen a 40 per cent increase in sales of tinned products over the weekend alone. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say An Iceland spokesman told BBC Newsnight…GB News · 27 Oct, 10:01
• Warning to stockpile supplies triggers baked bean, water and battery shortageOnline giant Ocado saw a surge in demand for essentials over the weekend, with several brands of bottled water listed as out of stock.Daily Mail · 27 Oct, 01:05

In this story: Wes Streeting · Labour · Ocado · Iceland · Robert Dyas · Maplin · UK

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