Andy Burnham defends stockpiling advice as storms batter Britain and says people are allowed 'a glass or two' of wine

Supermarket bosses were briefed on the 'Be Ready' launch date only last week and were told it would be a 'low key' affair fronted by security minister Dan Jarvis. Officials had initially consulted only Thames Water about water supply, not bottled water suppliers. 'It became a big deal because it's Wes,' one industry figure said. Prime Minister Andy Burnham is now defending the advice.

A Question Time audience member asked Wes Streeting: 'Don't you think that's just scaremongering?'

Treasury minister James Murray admitted he had not followed the advice and has only stockpiled coffee.

Burnham said people are 'allowed a glass or two' of wine, and he keeps Twiglets in his cupboard.