European countries tell citizens to stock iodine tablets for a nuclear threat while Britons are asked for just 72 hours' supplies

Andy Burnham's government is advising Britons to stockpile just 72 hours' worth of supplies — a far cry from the preparations demanded of citizens across Europe, where some nations are handing out iodine tablets and nuclear survival manuals. Germany recommends ten days of tinned goods, while its October guidance stressed even three days could be 'a big help'. Britain's checklist covers nine litres of water per person, food requiring no electricity, and enough cash to function if card payments collapse.

Almost half of Germans still fall short of even the minimum stockpile target, a YouGov poll for the German Press Agency found.

The UK government is also pushing to strengthen defence ties with EU partners to counter pressure for 'Made in Europe' weapons procurement.