Store tins in case of attack, says minister

Every household in Britain should store tinned food, bottled water and medication in case of a major terrorist outrage, a Government minister warned today. Counter-terrorism minister Hazel Blears said "people should not live in fear" but it was " common sense" to take precautions against a major terrorist outrage.

Ms Blears said the terrorist threat was "serious, credible and real", and that "it is going to be with us for the long term". Her advice is likely to fuel concerns Britain could be the target of a "dirty bomb" attack.

The Home Office minister said: "You should have the telephone numbers you need. You should know what is going on in children's schools."

She added: "Most people would be sensible about water and making sure they have some tinned food. If they take medication, they would need to know where it was."

And she put the onus on individuals, saying: "This is something that is the responsibility of all of us."