Banks see record cash withdrawals after government stockpiling advice

The UK government launched the Be Ready campaign, advising citizens to prepare for emergencies such as cyberattacks or natural disasters. Recommendations include stockpiling seventeen items, including three days of food, water, and first aid kits. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting stated the advice is to be alert, not alarmed, without a specific threat in mind. Consequently, banks reported record cash withdrawals, with the average ATM transaction reaching £106.20 on Friday as Britons followed the official stockpiling guidance.