Streeting tells Britons to stockpile tinned food, water and cash as UK faces 'greatest war risk of a lifetime'

From the Newshound archive · first published 27 September 2026 · last updated 28 September 2026.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has warned that the UK is closer to war with Russia than at any point in his lifetime, calling on the public to stockpile essentials including tinned food, bottled water and cash. The warning came in a Sun interview ahead of the Labour Party conference, in which Streeting described Vladimir Putin as "constantly testing" the UK's defences. He framed the stockpiling advice as a "simple ask" designed to ensure the country could cope with power cuts, flooding or a hostile attack.

Streeting pledged Labour will deliver the 'biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War' to counter the Russian threat.

He said Britons must check whether they have enough cash at home to survive a period without access to online banking.

Putin was described by Streeting as 'imperialist', with Britain's preparedness compared unfavourably to communities that regularly face floods and wildfires.