Stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather, minister warns

The government's Environment Secretary, Dame Angela Eagle, has cautioned British households to stockpile food as the most powerful El Niño event in a generation is expected to bring extreme weather to the country. This natural climate phenomenon, currently developing over the Pacific Ocean, is anticipated to cause more frequent and intense storms, drier summers and wetter winters.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has also expressed concerns over the vulnerability of Britain's food supply chain, warning that it is at risk due to increased threats of cyber-attacks and the ongoing climate crisis. The report suggests that the government's over-reliance on the private sector to manage food supply disruptions may not be sufficient.

Dame Angela Eagle pointed out that having a reserve of non-perishable food could significantly improve household resilience during emergencies, as external support may take longer to arrive. The NAO report also highlighted that climate change poses a long-term chronic risk to the UK's food supply, potentially leading to price hikes and difficulties for vulnerable individuals in accessing food.

While the UK government plans to release a strategy in late 2026 to enhance emergency preparedness, Dame Angela Eagle emphasized the need for households to take proactive steps in preparing for potential disruptions. She also drew attention to the increased cyber threats targeting the food supply chain, particularly from Russian hackers who are aware of the country's dependencies and potential weak points.