Britain’s key supply chains are not ready for major shocks such as conflict with Russia, and stronger measures are required to match the contingency planning of other European nations, according to a new report. The shift in US policy under Donald Trump toward an “America First” approach, reducing reliability as a partner, should also be considered in these plans. The findings come from the National Preparedness Commission, which focuses on national crisis readiness and includes experts from emergency services, the NHS and security fields. The report coincides with ongoing worries about the effects of Middle East conflict on fuel, food and goods prices, prompting the government to ask supermarkets to consider price freezes on some essentials. Launched privately at Westminster, the study examines Britain’s supply chain resilience amid risks including another pandemic, climate impacts or potential war with Russia. It notes the UK lags behind several European countries in stockpiling critical medicines and urges new approaches. The report states that government discussions should move from questioning the need for stockpiles to deciding how and where to implement them sensibly. It recalls that medicines stockpiled ahead of EU exit disruptions proved useful during the pandemic. For the health sector, medicine suppliers must hold at least eight weeks of buffer stock for hospitals, though compliance varies and is not required for pharmacies. The government has no plans for a critical medicines list or strategic stockpiles, except for military use in CBRN incidents. In contrast, many EU countries mandate buffer stocks of one to six months. The UK is among the least self-sufficient European nations in food supply and holds no strategic reserves, nor requires wholesalers to maintain buffers. Neighbouring countries like Norway and Sweden are rebuilding grain and food stocks, while others encourage households to store several days of supplies. The report, titled Future-proofing Security of Supply in a Contested World, highlights recent events such as tensions involving Iran that raise concerns about access to raw materials. It points to pressures from US policy, EU cooperation, Chinese manufacturing and Russia’s wartime economy. Nearly a year after the government’s national security strategy and calls for prioritising British suppliers, concerns remain that focus has waned. The Commons defence committee noted last November that public engagement on resilience has not begun. The report warns against assuming catastrophic events will not occur and cites recent disruptions as reminders of supply chain weaknesses. Its author, Richard Smith-Bingham, said the UK risks falling behind in securing long-term supplies of critical goods and called for bolder action. A government spokesperson stated that supply chains are strong and risks are monitored, with quick responses demonstrated when needed.
