Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Emergency Preparedness

Thursday 22 January 2026 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Caroline Voaden inquired about a nationwide information campaign for emergency preparedness, referencing the Dutch Government's approach.
  • Daniel Zeichner questioned the Minister about the possibility of creating strategic food reserves, noting that other European countries are exploring this.
  • The Minister highlighted the Government's commitment to improving household resilience through the Prepare website and is interested in European partners' approaches.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Voaden Lib Dem South Devon
Climate Energy
Context

A recent gas outage in South Devon left thousands without power for several days, and Cornwall has faced disruption from storm Goretti. These incidents highlight household vulnerability during essential service disruptions.

Question

Given the climate breakdown and uncertain geopolitical environment, will the Government consider a personalised, nationwide information campaign to help people prepare for crises? The Dutch Government recently sent a 33-page booklet on emergency preparedness to every home in the country.

Answer from Dan Jarvis (Minister of State, Cabinet Office)

We look very carefully at what international allies are saying about emergency preparedness matters. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero works closely with industry to improve resilience. In response to incidents like the gas outage in South Devon, industry has tried and tested plans to minimise disruption as quickly as possible. The Minister is keen to further increase resilience; he invites Caroline Voaden to write to him with more details.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not outline specific actions or commitments for a nationwide information campaign.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Previous Government advice recommended households stockpile three days' worth of non-perishable food and water. European countries are reportedly considering strategic food reserves.

Question

What is the Minister's thinking on creating strategic food reserves in light of recent reports that other European countries are exploring this approach?

Answer from Dan Jarvis (Minister of State, Cabinet Office)

The Government's Prepare website includes a suggested list of supplies to improve household resilience, including non-perishable food. The Minister is interested in messaging from partners in Europe on this subject and committed to ensuring that the whole of society, especially the most vulnerable, are best prepared for crises.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific details or commitments regarding strategic food reserves.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)