The UK Government is launching a national resilience campaign that will encourage citizens to stockpile essential items such as tinned food and bottled water. The initiative aims to prepare households for potential severe disruptions stemming from events like extreme weather, cyber attacks, or hostile state actions.
A government official told the Financial Times that the campaign will offer practical advice on improving domestic resilience, emphasizing common-sense measures rather than alarmist messaging. The campaign seeks to guide individuals on how to maintain safety and self-sufficiency if power or water supplies are interrupted or if shops are forced to close.
This public information drive is part of broader efforts to enhance national security and preparedness. Ministers are reportedly updating the government's 'war book,' which outlines departmental responses to major threats. The country is also planning its largest home defense exercise in decades for the upcoming year.
Recent events have highlighted the need for such preparedness. Earlier this month, emergency alerts were sent to mobile phones across England and Wales warning of wildfire risks. Separately, reports emerged of hackers linked to Iran disabling a UK power plant.
A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office stated that safeguarding national security is a top priority and affirmed the government's commitment to raising public awareness about household resilience measures and advancing the Home Defence Programme.