The UK government’s launch of the ‘Prepare’ campaign website, which advises that citizens gather supplies such as food, water and batteries in preparation for potential emergencies, has prompted supermarkets to warn consumers against panic buying.
The Prepare website, launched by deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden on 22 May 2024, lists a range of supplies that people may need in the event of an emergency, including: torches, power banks, spare batteries, first aid kits, hand sanitiser, bottled water, non-perishable food and baby supplies.
The retail sector responded by urging consumers to avoid panic buying, with Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, telling MailOnline: “Retailers did an excellent job ensuring the country had access to food and other necessities throughout the pandemic, and we are confident they will rise to future challenges.
“While it is sensible to have some additional food at home, most households will find they already have sufficient non-perishables sitting in the cupboard.”
In a speech to the London Defence Conference on the day of the website launch, Dowden said: “I make no apologies for reinforcing my recommendations that all households take a few minutes to consider their preparedness.
“I am determined to make this as easy as possible, and to offer clear guidance. This is not about stockpiling, this is about sensible safeguards.”
Dowden described the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic as “a terrifying time” and explained the need to be prepared for future emergencies, especially given factors such as geopolitical tensions, which he says “have risen to heights not seen for decades”.
In the run-up to Christmas 2021, an Ipsos survey found that panic buying was the biggest concern when it came to disrupting the festive period, with 75% of UK adults aged 16-75 reporting this as a worry. This percentage was even higher than those concerned about the energy crisis (70%) and inflation (62%).
Whether the next emergency comes as a result of conflict, a natural disaster or something different entirely, it is important that the nation is prepared, but also that shelves are not empty as a result of stockpiling.
Emergency kits can be prepared over time, to avoid putting pressure on retailers and supply chains. “Rather than buying all the items at once, you could just add to your emergency kit when you are able and build it up over time,” the Prepare website advises.
