Prepping shops report a boom as 'scared' Britons stock up after the government's 'Be Ready' emergency campaign

Survival supply shops are reporting a surge in sales from customers describing themselves as "scared," in the weeks since the government launched its 'Be Ready' campaign urging households to stockpile food, water and blankets. Bottled water, baked beans and batteries have been selling out at some supermarkets as Britons take the threat of cyber attacks and extreme weather seriously.

Brian, 52, from central Scotland has spent over £10,000 on supplies over a decade, including freeze-dried food holding 1.5 million calories.

The Silent Legion, a volunteer group on the Leicestershire-Warwickshire border, trains communities to set up emergency operations — and hates being called 'preppers'.

Members fund their work from their own pockets and have already established branches in the United States and elsewhere overseas.