Stockpiling food; sensationalism or prudence?

[MotherofKitties]

I've been reading quite a lot of speculation from online media outlets suggesting that people should start stockpiling food in case of a 'no deal' Brexit situation.

I initially poo-pooed the idea as fake news/media sensationalism, but it got me thinking - if we do end up being in a no-deal situation, what would happen?

'No deal' would presumably mean no trade agreements so no imported food until an agreement had been reached. I have no idea how much food we do import, but I suspect it is a lot. If a 'no deal' scenario looked likely, would a stockpiling scenario be sensible? If so, what would be the best things to stockpile?

I doubt (hope) we would end up in that situation, but it's food for thought...

There are already several current threads about this. I for one don't think we need another yet.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/eu_referendum_2016_/3310556-Preppers-Paradise-Pickled-Turnips-and-Sovereignty-Spam

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3313558-What-about-those-who-can-t-afford-to-stockpile

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/preppers/3269121-What-isn-t-produced-in-Britain-that-we-need-to-stockpile

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/preppers/2757771-Food-Prepping-and-Brexit

pennycarbonara I didn't realise there were already threads about this topic, but thank you for posting the links, I'll take a look.

I read on here yesterday that we are 49% self reliant on food ( I think that was the figure), but that leaves a whopping 51% that we import. Strangely enough, DD, her partner and I were just talking about the possible need to stockpile. We have two allotments and, depending how negotiations go, we will plan our planting accordingly. We also discussed what may happen to the price of meat and fish if a no deal brexit materialises. We thought we would stock up on pulses and beans.

It's fucking barmy that we should need to think of these things. It's the 21st century for ducks sake. To be honest, I'm more worried about my medication not being available.

Ah well, we live in interesting times

user Interesting stuff. I've just been reading the treads pennycarbonara posted links to and it seems like a lot of people have had the same thought about prepping and stockpiling food and medicines.

Where we live, my DH and I were hit badly by the 'Beast from the East' and we were completely cut off any roads for five days. We managed to walk to the shops with a rucksack but after three days the local supermarkets were very depleted and out of stock of some of the basics.
PP on the threads penny has linked to have pointed out that our supply change is a fragile one, and even if we have a 'no deal' for a couple of days the knock on affects of that will been seen for some time afterwards.

I'm going to continue reading the other threads as there's some very interesting and pertinent advice on this situation, but going forward I've decided I'm going to start stockpiling a few essentials that I can keep in the garage for a worst case scenario.

If everything goes smoothly then it just means I won't have to buy any pasta, toothpaste or cat food for a few months after Brexit...!

At least two mainstream newspapers have said that Dominic Raab has admitted that the government is looking at stockpiling, so I don't think it is unreasonable for households to consider that they should prepare too.

It's utterly bonkers that we've got to the point where some British consumers are seriously concerned about food security, but there you are.

Also I hope you can get your meds stocked in advance just in case, GP's and pharmacies must be asked to give extra prescriptions in the event of when people go away etc, so hopefully something you could ask and plan for? x

Why on earth are we still ploughing ahead with this utterly stupid plan if this could be a possible consequence.

Mmmm, might start buying extra cans of baked beans!

Mistigri Interesting that you've said that as I've just read that online.

Also read in another thread that the government are planning to send leaflets out come in autumn advising us on how to prepare for a no deal; I haven't read anything about that elsewhere, but if that is the case, I can imagine nationwide panic buying in the days that follow those leaflets being distributed...

Health minister now saying govt is also looking at plans to stockpile medicines, devices and blood products

In that context, buying a few extra tins and a big bag of rice is hardly an overreaction.

We had rationing in and after the war and managed fine; I should think that if there is a serious possibility of food shortages plans would be already in place.

Prudence.

You're right, Eddie. We have highly competent and right-minded people in charge of the country and can trust them completely.

I’m just as concerned about huge price rises due to the unbelievable weather ruining crops accross the world. I do feel reassured to see at least a couple of weeks worth of food in my cupboards.

We also grew masses of food during the war Eddie and guess what ? That takes time and needs land (you might want to Google just how much public land was turned over to agriculture - parks, playing fields etc to feed a smaller population than what we have now).

Absolutely fucking ridiculous

We didn't have a choice about 2 World Wars and wouldn't have picked rationing if there had been a choice. This could all be stopped right now. Why are they still ploughing ahead? Utterly twattish.

If those buses had said on the side we will be stockpiling food and medicine in 2 years time no one would have voted leave.
Absolutely fuming.

I think on the balance of probabilities that something will be pulled out of the hat at the eleventh hour. It may be wishful thinking or pure naivety on my part, mind.

But I do think that the risk is significant enough that it would be prudent to be as prepared as possible for disruption in the supply chain.

Cross referencing to other Brexit threads. The UK is already losing more than the 'promised' £350 Million a week in lost productivity. Companies haven't closed or moved in big numbers yet.
The longer this drags out the more the opportunities will vanish. Inward investment will be on 'desperate' terms not head held high 'equal footing'. Essentially take the deals offered or they will go elsewhere, and there is plenty more of 'elsewhere' that is keen on trade.
Syria, was a great country. Many of it's inhabitants have to resort to living underground in tunnels as they have had their homes destroyed. Although their original situation may not have been equal to the UK they certainly weren't third world.

Deal or no deal, we should all stockpile a few weeks worth of essentials in case of an emergency, if we can. Extreme weather conditions, striking port workers, cyber attack, flu pandemic etc could all affect food distribution chains, with or without Brexit.

I’m terrified about medications.

My son is on a rare drug that has to be made up to order and only has a shelf life of a month.

I am on a controlled drug and they will simply not give me more than one months supply. I’m going to speak to them in advance and see if they would double it just for this exceptional circumstance to avoid any need to go into hospital should the worst happen, but who knows.

The issue with stockpiling is that the poor can't do it.

Agreed - I hope people who can are also making extra donations to food banks while making sure they’ll make it through this.

Looks like the Mormons were right after all! Always have a years supply of food! 😂

Which is all fine and dandy if you've got the money and space for it