Brits told to stockpile beans for nuclear war as major nation plans backup capital city

A major country is looking for a backup capital city as Brits have been told to stockpile food in case of a war or national emergency. More than one in three UK adults have begun stockpiling tins and dried goods, or plan to do so, following the government's recent Be Ready guidance. A new survey from Barclays found just 44% of households currently have sufficient food and drinking water to last at least three days. The government has advised all households to keep a minimum of 72 hours of reserve food in case the country is hit with a national emergency.

The warning comes as Japan moves forward with plans to find a backup capital in the event of an incapacitating natural disaster or a nuclear strike. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet has announced a set of criteria for cities applying to become the nation’s backup capital. They must contain at least 1.2 per cent of Japan’s total population and also must account for at least 2.1 per cent of the nation’s GDP. Alongside this an eligible city must be located sufficiently far enough from Tokyo to be outside the area of effect of any disaster, like a tsunami.

The city must also have facilities for at least half of the 28 classifications of national government field offices. The current framework behind the idea doesn’t explicitly prohibit numerous cities from being awarded the status of Japan’s backup capital city. Japan has had several different capitals throughout its history, such as Kyoto during the country’s imperial years and before that Nara. The development follows the UK’s Government's new Be Ready campaign.

Launched last month, the initiative aims to encourage British households to take a handful of straightforward steps to remain prepared should everyday services face temporary disruption. Households have been urged to keep a three-day supply of provisions, including food, water, batteries, torches, baby or pet food, amongst other items. Alongside listing these necessities, the Government has published an "emergency checklist" outlining what people should do to stay prepared.

Beyond this guidance, residents are being urged to get familiar with three crucial elements in their homes. To be able to shut off water, gas or electricity in an emergency, all UK households should know the location of the following: the water stop cock, the gas isolation valve, and the electricity isolation switch. Full list of 13 things UK households should stock: Bottled water (3 litres per person per day for at least 3 days) Non-perishable food to last at least 3 days that does not require cooking or refrigerating (e.g. tinned meat, fruit or vegetables) and tin opener Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, hygiene and bathroom products Torch (battery/wind up) and spare batteries - torches are safer than candles Blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing FM radio (battery/wind up) to get updates during a power cut Portable power bank to charge phone and medical devices (if compatible) Cash (mix of coins and notes) and cards Copies of IDs/important documents First aid kit / first aid items Essential medication or medical supplies to last several days Baby products (e.g. nappies, wipes and ready-made formula) Pet products (food and bottled water)