Emergency Stockpiles Are a Luxury Many in London's Poorest Boroughs Can't Afford

The UK government's Be Ready campaign advises every citizen to stockpile water and food, but midwife Keira Callaghan, who works in Tower Hamlets, one of London's poorest boroughs, warns that this guidance overlooks the realities of vulnerable families. For those living in a single room in shared housing, storing nine litres of water per person plus three days of supplies is unrealistic, and the extra cost is prohibitive for households already struggling with food, heating, and essentials. Callaghan argues that preparedness should be a public health measure, not a privilege, highlighting the gap between official advice and what is feasible for low-income communities. Meanwhile, Chris Rotheram's letter describes 'prescription anxiety' amid supply concerns, adding another layer of vulnerability. The campaign's one-size-fits-all approach risks excluding those who need support most, raising questions about how emergency planning can be made equitable. Without targeted assistance, the most disadvantaged may be left unprepared for crises.