The PM said alcohol should not be “top of the list” and people would need to keep a “clear head” as he was challenged on the Housing Secretary’s previous light-hearted approach to emergency warnings.
The rebuttal came as Treasury Minister James Murray quipped that the only thing he keeps large stores of at home is coffee.
The flippant remarks contrast with the grim survivalist checklist in the new official ‘Be Ready’ guidance for emergencies – including having enough food and water for three days and cash in case the electronic payments system collapses.
A wind-up or battery radio, loo roll and baby food are also advised in the print-and-keep document.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said yesterday that the guidance would help people brace for events such as wildfires, flooding and cyber attacks. Senior officials and military figures have even been flagging the risk of a strike by Russia.
However, critics accused the Government of giving “bossy lectures” and “encouraging panic” while failing to ramp up spending on Britain’s defence.
At the Labour conference last month, Rayner was asked what she would pack in a so-called “disaster bag” for emergencies.
She replied: “Mascara, concealer… I don’t know, a bottle of sauvignon blanc.
“A tin of baked beans because you’ve got to have some baked beans. I like a good tin of custard as well.
“So I think that will keep me going for a while.”
But quizzed today if wine would also be part of his emergency box, Burnham said: “I’m not sure that that’s the top of the list in terms of the advice that we’re giving to the public...<<<Read More>>>...
