UK defence secretary Wes Streeting says he began stockpiling food and water weeks ago
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Defence secretary Wes Streeting said he started hoarding basic supplies for a possible national emergency while the government talks up higher military spending, a mix of personal preparedness and expensive defence promises that still leaves ordinary households to shoulder more of the burden.
UK defence secretary Wes Streeting said he began stockpiling food, water and basic emergency supplies weeks ago in anticipation of a possible national emergency. He said the move was intended to "lead by example" and encouraged the public to consider their own household resilience, adding that he keeps bottled water, a first-aid kit, a torch and items such as baked beans, tuna and protein bars on standby.
Streeting linked the personal preparedness effort to broader defence policy, noting that the government is ramping up spending to meet targets of 3% of gross domestic product by 2030 and 3.5% by 2035, as outlined by Chancellor John Healey. He stressed that any additional spending must deliver value for money and modernise the armed forces, saying, "Spending more money badly is not virtuous." Critics would note that promises of tougher defence often come wrapped in vague assurances, while the bill is ultimately pushed onto the public.
He also warned that the UK must maintain the capability to deter adversaries and, if deterrence fails, be ready to defeat them, describing this as the "core job" of the defence department. Streeting mentioned ongoing concerns about the reputation of special forces and indicated that parliamentary committees could scrutinise special forces and the nuclear deterrent. Healey, in his first budget, confirmed full funding for the defence investment plan and reiterated the 3% GDP spending target, prompting NATO secretary-general remarks that the UK is on a credible path toward meeting alliance commitments.