Andy Burnham’s doomsday preparation campaign descended into farce today as he was forced to play down Angela Rayner’s joke about stockpiling wine amid questions of why a Government skimping on defence is lecturing the public. The Mail has more.

The PM said alcohol should not be “top of the list” and people would need to keep a “clear head” as he was challenged on the Housing Secretary’s previous light-hearted approach to emergency warnings.

The rebuttal came as Treasury Minister James Murray quipped that the only thing he keeps large stores of at home is coffee.

The flippant remarks contrast with the grim survivalist checklist in the new official ‘Be Ready’ guidance for emergencies – including having enough food and water for three days and cash in case the electronic payments system collapses.

Read more: Burnham’s Doomsday Guide Descends into Farce as he is Forced to Play Down Rayner’s Joke About Stockpiling Wine