Ministerial inventories: the Prime Minister and the Housing Secretary compared
Two senior members of the Government have now told the public what they would keep in an emergency. The two kits share exactly one item. This review places them side by side.
| Category | Prime Minister (Andy Burnham) | Housing Secretary (Angela Rayner) |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Baked beans | Baked beans |
| Main course | Tinned soup | None declared |
| Dessert | None declared | A tin of custard |
| Morale | Twiglets | A bottle of Sauvignon Blanc |
| Appearance | None declared | Mascara, concealer |
| Water | Recommended | Prioritised over wine, following later clarification |
Assessment
The Prime Minister’s kit
A high-sodium, low-glamour plan built on tins. Strong on calories, weak on hydration, and entirely dependent on the manual tin opener. The Twiglets are the only non-tinned item and the only item described as indispensable. Readiness rating: compliant, thirsty.
The Housing Secretary’s kit
A balanced two-course menu of beans followed by custard, supported by a beverage and a cosmetics programme. The only kit in Government that plans for being seen on Day 4. Readiness rating: compliant, camera-ready.
Points of disagreement
The Prime Minister has publicly distanced himself from the wine. Asked about it, he said people need a clear head in a challenging situation, while allowing that a glass or two might be permitted. The Housing Secretary later said she would put water first, while keeping the Sauvignon Blanc on her personal list. The Cabinet has therefore reached a settled position: water first, wine second, and Twiglets subject to further review.
Points of agreement
Both kits contain baked beans. This is the only cross-Government consensus currently available on national resilience, and it should be protected.
Neither minister has declared a dining table or a bedsheet. Day 4 assumes these are held centrally.
All quotations and descriptions of what each minister said are drawn from published reports, listed in our sources. Read the open letter on the Twiglet question.
Last updated 11 November 2026