Streeting says he began stockpiling food weeks ago amid rising threat to UK

Streeting's personal preparations come as the government significantly increases defence spending. Chancellor John Healey has announced plans to reach 3% of GDP for defence by 2030 and 3.5% by 2035, while asking departments to find 1% budget cuts elsewhere to fund this increase.

The defence minister has stocked up on pulses, tinned fish, baked beans, sweetcorn, red kidney beans, tuna, protein bars and nuts, along with bottled water, a first aid kit and a battery-powered torch. He stated he began setting aside supplies to "lead by example" in household resilience.

Personal Example

Streeting emphasized that his stockpiling represents "commonsense things for the everyday challenges" and expressed satisfaction that people are beginning to think about their own preparedness. He mentioned his mother had contacted him asking how much she should budget for supplies.

Defence Spending

The increased funding follows criticism from Healey when he served as defence secretary, accusing the previous government of putting the country's security at risk with inadequate funding. Healey resigned in June, contributing to the downfall of Keir Starmer's premiership.

Streeting stressed that any additional defence spending must be done carefully, stating "Spending more money badly is not virtuous." He emphasized the need to balance value for money with modernization to prepare the UK "to fight the wars ahead." Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the UK's "credible path towards meeting the commitment made by all Nato allies."

Military Oversight

Beyond personal preparations and spending increases, Streeting addressed oversight of service personnel, claiming courts were conducting an "active campaign" to "smear the reputation and integrity of our special forces." He indicated that special forces and UK nuclear weapons could be subject to scrutiny by MPs and peers on the intelligence and security committee.