Key facts
- Supermarkets were surprised by the government's 'shambolic' campaign to stockpile food and water.
- Retailers were informed of the 'Be Ready' campaign mere days before its public announcement.
- Defence Secretary Wes Streeting urged Britons to prepare three days' worth of essentials.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham supported the stockpiling advice, citing recent storms and cyber incidents.
Major UK supermarkets were reportedly surprised by the government's campaign encouraging citizens to stockpile food and water supplies. Retailers were informed about the specifics of the "Be Ready" initiative only days before its public announcement and anticipated a more low-key undertaking. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called upon Britons to prepare three days' worth of non-perishable food and bottled water, spearheading a three-year initiative aimed at preparing the public for various threats. Prime Minister Andy Burnham later urged people to follow the advice, citing recent storms and cyber incidents as reasons for preparedness. Government officials had initially indicated to retailers that the campaign would be led by Security Minister Dan Jarvis and be less prominent.