Government says stock up on nine emergency items as war risk increases
Government says stock up on nine emergency items as war risk increases
The items can all be kept in an emergency bag in case you need them urgently, or need to leave your home quickly
A woman checking the contents of an emergency bag
People across the UK are being encouraged to buy nine essential items in case of emergency as the threat of war increases. Last week, the Government published a new national security strategy warning that we face a higher risk of war - include a threat of war on UK soil.
In the national security strategy published last Tuesday, ministers said the UK now finds itself in 'an era in which we face confrontation with those who are threatening our security'. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said: 'We are in an era in which we face confrontation with those who are threatening our security."
The strategy said Russian cyber attacks and sabotage, and Iranian 'hostile activity' in the UK are increasing. The strategy added: 'Meanwhile, some adversaries are laying the foundations for future conflict, positioning themselves to move quickly to cause major disruption to our energy and or supply chains, to deter us from standing up to their aggression.
'For the first time in many years, we have to actively prepare for the possibility of the UK homeland coming under direct threat, potentially in a wartime scenario.'
The strategy warned that 'instances of China's espionage, interference in our democracy and the undermining of our economic security have increased in recent years'.
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Earlier this month, Defence Secretary John Healey said a strategic defence review 'confirmed we face new nuclear risks, with other states increasing, modernising and diversifying their nuclear arsenals'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last week said the UK will increase its spending on defence and military capabilities - including buying 12 new aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
The Government's Prepare site lists nine items people should have in their homes in case of emergency - which could include floods and power cuts as well as 'deliberate actions'.
The site reads: "Emergencies happen every day in the UK and across the world. They can be caused by severe weather or other natural hazards, by deliberate actions, or as a result of accidents or infrastructure failure. They can be events that happen quickly and are over in a few hours, or they can develop and continue over the course of several days, months, or sometimes even longer."
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It lists nine items people should have in an emergency kit or 'go bag':
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