Government asks stores to stockpile food

The Sunday Times July 6

Ministers are in talks with supermarkets about emergency food reserves in case fuel protests lead to shortages at shops. The government wants to ensure retailers and suppliers can continue to sell basics such as meat, bread and milk if hauliers bring the country to a halt.

They have asked supermarkets to make contingency plans “in case the infrastructure of the country breaks down”. Among those who have taken part are farmers, dairies, bakeries and supermarkets.

At least four government departments are involved. The operation is being led by Bruce Mann, director of civil contingencies at the Cabinet Office. The government has commissioned IGD, a company that collects intelligence on international food and grocery chains, to supply data about how food is moved around the country and where stocks are held. The information has been used to put together a “map” of depots and supply lines.