More Brits than ever are stockpiling meals and water after Burnham’s authorities issued warning

New Barclays research shows more than a third of UK adults have started stockpiling food, water and emergency supplies following the government’s Be Ready campaign, with many adding extra tins and bottled water to their weekly shop — but only 44% of households have enough essentials to last three days

More than one in three UK adults have begun stockpiling tins and dried goods, or plan to do so, following the government’s recent guidance, according to new research. A comparable number are doing likewise with bottled water, one in four with spare batteries, and an equal proportion with toiletries.

Just 44% of households currently have sufficient food and drinking water to last at least three days – the minimum amount the government has advised all households to keep in reserve to weather a national emergency.

The survey findings from Barclays highlight the extent to which people have responded to the government’s recent Be Ready campaign. Recommended items include bottled water, non-perishable food, a battery or wind-up FM radio for receiving updates during power outages, and cash in case electronic payments are disrupted.

Younger adults appear less prepared, with only 31% of 18 to 34-year-olds having adequate supplies, compared with 53% of those aged 55 and over.

This represents a more measured approach to stockpiling than at the onset of the pandemic, when Barclays data revealed supermarket spending rocketed by 49% in the week preceding the first lockdown.

Marks and Spencer reported a modest uptick in key categories such as canned goods and water, but stressed that stock levels have remained “manageable”. Steven Fergus, head of retail at Barclays, said: “A lot of people are clearly asking themselves, ‘what would I do if the power went off or the taps ran dry for a few days?’ That’s a sensible question. And this feels very different to the empty shelves of 2020. It’s people putting an extra tin or a pack of batteries in the trolley, just in case.

“The worry is that fewer than half of households could get through three days right now, and younger people are the least ready. You don’t need to do it all in one go. Adding one or two bits to your weekly shop is an easy way to get there without a big hit to your budget.”

The findings come after recent BBC Newsnight figures revealed supermarket chain Iceland had witnessed a 40% surge in tinned product sales, while Robert Dyas’ radio sales rocketed 160% in just one week. Maplin reported radio sales were up 92%, torches 284% and power banks 106%.

Certain supermarkets have even sold out of some items. Tesco’s website indicates a pack of 12 bottles of 500ml own brand British natural mineral water is unavailable online, although pricier brands remain in stock.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting told Newsnight: “It’s encouraging that people are taking practical steps to be ready. Having a few everyday essentials at home, from tinned food to torches, helps households prepare for disruption, whether that’s flooding, power cuts or burst pipes. We can all play our part in making Britain more resilient.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stood by the advice to stockpile supplies, arguing that unforeseen events were becoming increasingly common. He cautioned, however, that alcohol should be kept well off the shopping list when it comes to preparing for a potential disaster.