To wonder why we're being encouraged to adopt a "prepper" mindset by the FT?

[MistressoftheDarkSide]

https://www.ft.com/content/002490f0-13db-4234-b609-e8a539b28447

I mean, I know it's sensible to have a few emergency supplies kicking about. You don't often see publications like the FT running articles about it.

It’s just fear mongering. It’s all the media promotes.m
Look at what they did during covid.

It is a national publication commenting on something that the government has said. This is pretty much how journalism works, and how the public gets informed about what is going on.
Also, it is a perfectly sensible precaution. If you have the space and money to have a buffer, it is better to be prepared than not. If not everyone has the space and spare cash, it does not negate the message.

The recent cryptosporidium incident in Devon.

Worsening localised flash flooding.

Two of the reasons various authorities are advising that households have vital supplies stored at home.

The mains water supply might not be safe. You might not be able to get to shops to stock up, home deliveries might not be able to get to your address, deliveries to shops and wholesalers might not be able to get through - they mostly work on the just-in-time model.

Because it's sensible?

growing up, my dad always told me to have tins in the cupboard, candles, matches, a lighter, a torch, batteries, a longwave radio in the house. And it's just common sense.

If there's a nationwide wifi/4G/internet outage, accompanied by a power cut (because national grid is highly reliant on comms 'in the cloud', how would we get anywhere and how would the Govt communicate with us to tell us what's happening?

it's just common sense, not prepping or panicking.

For many years there was official government advice to keep a certain amount of provisions in hand for emergencies. I'm not sure if/when it was discontinued.

We're not being encouraged to adopt a 'prepper' mindset. That would involve digging underground bunkers and stockpiling years' worth of stuff.

You've already answered the question: because it's sensible.

Just a heads up OP, there's already a long thread about this.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5080708-we-need-to-have-enough-tinned-food-and-bottled-water-to-be-self-sufficient-for-three-days?page=13&reply=135470260