UK Shoppers Buy Emergency Supplies After Government Stockpile Advice

Shoppers in the UK bought tinned food, bottled water, torches and wind-up radios in large numbers after the government advised households to keep enough supplies to last 72 hours, according to several retailers. The advice was issued through Be Ready, a government public information campaign, which told households to prepare for emergencies such as extreme weather or cyber-attacks. The campaign's checklist says that being ready for three days helps households manage while support reaches those most in need.

The advice built on earlier guidance. On 22 October, the government published a notice encouraging households to take small, simple steps to stay prepared if everyday services are temporarily disrupted. On Friday, 23 October, it told the public to keep three days of emergency supplies at home, Reuters reported.

Maplin said sales of torches had almost quadrupled following the announcement. Its sales of power banks and radios had doubled, and home security camera sales were up 130%. One brand of emergency wind-up radio sold out on Friday, the company said, according to The Guardian.

Iceland said sales of tinned products were up 40% over the weekend after the advice. It also reported strong sales of bottled water.

EvaQ8 founder Zaid Al-Mufti said the company sold about 300 wind-up radios over the weekend, compared with the usual 15. The company also sold out of items including a make of wind-up radio and water purification tablets.

Josh Pringle, co-founder of Sgt Prepper, said business had been 10 to 15 times busier than usual last weekend. Demand focused on wind-up radios and long-life food. Prepping, the practice of keeping supplies in case of emergency, is the field his business serves.

Owners of prepping shops told The Guardian in an earlier report that the advice had sparked sales of essentials but no panic stockpiling. The Guardian carried their comments on 23 October.

The European Commission made a similar call in March 2025. It urged people across Europe to maintain sufficient supplies for at least 72 hours and called for enhanced stockpiling of critical equipment, Reuters reported at the time.