Wes Streeting, the Defence Secretary, has called on every British household to keep a small cache of essentials at home in case of extreme weather, cyber attacks or conflict.
What the Defence Secretary is asking
Speaking to The Sun ahead of the Labour Party conference, Streeting said the request is “just a simple ask of people.” He urged families to consider whether they have what they need indoors if they lose access to online banking or suffer a power cut. “It’s having some cash at home, having a supply of bottled water indoors, having some tinned goods that you can access if your electric goes and you’re not able to cook on the hob or in the microwave,” he added.
Building your emergency kit
The government’s list covers both comfort and survival. A battery or wind‑up torch, a portable power bank for charging phones, and a battery or wind‑up radio are recommended for staying informed during a blackout. Spare batteries for those devices, plus a backup for any medical equipment, should be kept charged. A first aid kit with waterproof plasters, bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash, sterile dressings, gloves, medical tape and tweezers is advised, alongside hand sanitiser and wet wipes for hygiene when water is off.
For sustenance, officials suggest a minimum of 2.5‑3 litres of drinking water per person per day, rising to 10 litres per person for cooking and hygiene needs. Non‑perishable food that requires no cooking – such as tinned meat, fruit or vegetables, plus a tin opener – should be stocked, along with provisions for pets, baby supplies (nappies and ready‑to‑feed formula) and enough prescription medication to last several days. Printed operating instructions for any medical devices and fully charged spare batteries are also highlighted.
Why the threats are growing
Streeting’s warning comes after a summer of record‑breaking heatwaves that plunged the UK into drought and sparked numerous wildfires. The government says it is accelerating work on its “war book” – a manual for defending the nation against external threats – and launching a social media campaign to help the public cope with extreme weather. The national risk register has been updated to include the risk of interference in the UK’s democratic process.
Officials also point to heightened activity from Russia and Iran. Vladimir Putin’s government has warned that British facilities in Ukraine will be regarded as “legitimate targets” if they support long‑range strikes against Russia. In the year to August 2026, 340 drone‑related security incidents were recorded at or near Ministry of Defence sites, up from 250 in 2025 and double the 126 reported in 2024.
What experts say about food security
Analysts from Shore Capital have warned that the knock‑on effect of five consecutive heatwaves and prolonged dry conditions could destroy harvests, leading to food shortages later this year and increasing reliance on foreign imports. The National Farmers Union described the situation as “increasingly concerning,” noting that dairy farmers are already using winter feed because grass has stopped growing.
Why it Matters
By urging households to keep modest reserves of cash, water, tinned food and basic medical supplies, the government aims to strengthen national resilience without causing panic. If even a fraction of families follow this advice, the country will be better placed to withstand power cuts, water shortages or digital disruption, reducing strain on emergency services and helping communities stay safe when crises strike.
