National Alarm: Tobias Ellwood Says We Might Need a DIY Survival Kit
Former Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood has thrown a warning that might sound like a plot twist from a sci‑fi thriller, but it’s really a sober call to arms. He’s talking about a “grey‑zone attack”—covert moves that could sabotage the UK’s critical infrastructure or dent the economy without anyone even realizing it.
What’s a “Grey‑Zone Attack”?
Ellwood paints a picture that’s chilling yet oddly relatable:
“What if your phone buzzed with a national emergency alert warning of a swarm drone attack en‑route to your city – where would you go? How would you respond?”
“These aren’t scenes from a dystopian thriller – they’re real‑world scenarios we must now seriously consider.”
He’s not flying a fantasy. Russia’s ambassador to the UK just confirmed sensors in British waters after devices washed up on shore. The Royal Navy is stepping up, hunting threats, and even building its own unmanned underwater vehicles. But, as Ellwood puts it, the fight goes beyond the military.
Why You Should Stock Up
In his article for PoliticsHome, he urges every British citizen to build an emergency kit. No need to overhaul your pantry overnight—just slow‑roll the essentials. Here’s a quick ‘do‑you‑have‑it’ checklist:
Top Essentials Checklist
- 10+ Litres of Water – Because hydration is a survival level.
- First‑Aid Kit – Scissors, bandages, antiseptic wipes.
- Non‑Perishable Food – Think tinned meat, canned fruit, ready‑to‑eat goods. A tin opener is a must.
- Basic Lighting – A working torch, wind‑up radio, and a stack of candles.
- Pet Supplies – Don’t forget your furry friend’s food and water.
- Backup Power – Portable charger or solar panel to keep your devices alive.
- Emergency Cash – 100 GBP or so for urgent needs.
Good news: You can build this kit gradually. Add a new item whenever you’re able—no need to splurge all at once. The official UK guidance echoes this advice:
“Emergencies happen every day—natural hazards, deliberate actions, accidents, or infrastructure failure. They can be quick or last months. Assemble an emergency kit that includes non‑perishable food that doesn’t need cooking, a tin opener, and water.”
“Don’t forget food for pets.”
Bottom Line
Ellwood’s message is a friendly (and slightly urgent) nudge: Make sure your household’s kits are ready. Whether it’s a drone swarm or an overnight power outage, a solid prep plan will keep you safe, and it’ll give you a good excuse for a midnight snack that doesn’t require a stove.
So, grab that coffee filter, fill the bottle, and let’s stay ready. Who knows, you might get a call from the drone squad with a witty note, but you’ll be prepared anyway.
