Britons told to ‘stock up on tinned foods’ amid nuclear fears | UK | News

Britons were urged to stockpile tinned food during a “Protect and Survive” campaign, launched during Margaret Thatcher’s tenure, released at the height of the Cold War. The Seventies and Eighties were fraught with the looming threat of a nuclear strike from the Soviet Union, prompting the release of guidance through pamphlets, radio broadcasts, and films to educate the public on survival tactics in the event of an actual attack.

One bone-chilling clip highlighted the dangers of nuclear fallout – the deadly radioactive debris that is thrust into the upper atmosphere after a nuclear explosion. The footage starkly illustrated the potential for fallout to remain hazardous for up to a fortnight.

A voiceover in the video cautioned: “After an attack, you may have to stay in your home for up to 14 days.” It urged citizens to stockpile ample water and food supplies for themselves and their families.

Emphasising the critical importance of hydration, the narrator explained: “Water is more essential to life than food, you can live for a long time without food if you have enough liquid to drink.”

The recommended quantity was specified as: “How much is enough? Well, each person should drink about two pints a day.”

This meant that for a two-week period, one would need at least three-and-a-half gallons, though doubling this amount was advised if possible.

Additionally, the clip suggested stocking up on tinned goods, given that fresh food is prone to spoilage within days.

The narrator concluded with advice on provisions: “Stock enough food for two weeks.”

He also warned that cooking might not be an option, advising the public to opt for foods that can be consumed cold and have a longer shelf life.

Residents were instructed to purchase tinned goods: “Buy things well wrapped, in tins, and do not forget your tin opener and bottle opener.”

A wide variety of tinned foodstuffs were recommended: “You will do best to buy lots of different [tinned foods], there are meats, vegetables, fruit and special food for babies.”

Advice was given on how to handle an unexpected disaster while away from home.

An announcement further advised, “This is what you should do if you are outdoors during the warning sounds.”

In the event of a warning, immediate action was needed: “Take cover at once when you hear the attack sound.”

Those unable to reach home within ten minutes were told to “If you cannot reach home in 10 minutes, take cover in the nearest building.”

If no suitable structure was available, solid cover should be used. Ultimately, if no other alternatives existed, lying flat, using protective clothing, was seen as the best option:.

“If there is no solid cover, lay flat in a ditch or a hole and cover your head, face and hands as fast as you can with your clothes.”

The “Protect and Survive” campaign took place during the tensions between the Soviet Union and the Western Bloc.

US President Ronald Reagan’s election victory in 1980 escalated global tensions toward nuclear war, rivalled only by the infamous Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. Tensions grew with Reagan’s narrative labelling the Soviets an “evil empire” which incensed the Soviet Politburo.

They strengthened their defences by deploying SS-30 missiles throughout eastern Europe.

The US replied by securing permission from its European allies to position Pershing 2 ballistic and ground-launched cruise missiles within those allied nations in Europe. The world’s fate teetered on the edge, and Mrs Thatcher’s resolve to ensure Britons were ready for the worst reflects the gravity with which the situation was regarded at the time.