Berkshire Residents Urged to Prepare for Emergencies

The Government has launched the Be Ready campaign urging households to keep three days' worth of essential supplies. Officials say it is to help people cope with short-term disruption to services like power, water, phones and the internet - not a reason to panic.

The initiative asks households to store a small supply of food, bottled water and other basics, and to sign up to the Priority Services Register if they may need extra support.

Some residents have questioned why the campaign has been launched now. The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked local MPs what it means for people in Berkshire.

Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat MP for Wokingham, told constituents not to be alarmed. "We are not in any imminent danger from foreign powers." He added: "What the Government is trying to do is get people prepared for an emergency in the same way we prepare for severe weather or travel disruption."

Mr Jones advised keeping food you use, some cash and copies of important documents in case a cyber attack disrupts access to information. He also questioned whether three days is enough. "They have gone about it half-heartedly. If we were seriously under threat, what is the point of planning for just three days?"

He criticised the previous Government's defence spending record and said the UK should invest more in military capability. The Liberal Democrats want defence spending to reach three per cent of GDP by 2030, or sooner if possible.

Peter Swallow, Labour MP for Bracknell, welcomed the campaign and urged people to use the Government's checklist and add a few long-life items to their weekly shop. He said emergencies could include severe weather, power cuts, wildfires or security incidents. "This isn't about making people worry - it's about being honest that emergencies of all kinds do happen, and the best way to feel less anxious is to be prepared."

He also urged residents to check on neighbours and relatives. "Resilience is something the whole community builds, and Bracknell Forest has a strong community spirit," he said. Mr Jones urged people to rely on trusted news sources rather than unverified social media posts.

The Cabinet Office launched Be Ready on October 22 as the first stage of a three-year effort to boost the UK's emergency preparedness. It pointed to storms last winter and summer wildfires as examples of how extreme weather can disrupt communities. The three-day recommendation is also used in France, Ireland and the Netherlands.

More information is available at the Government's Be Ready website.

Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter