Cash withdrawals from automated teller machines (ATMs) in the United Kingdom surged to record levels this week following government and opposition party warnings urging households to prepare for potential emergencies. The increase reflects growing public concern about disruptions caused by events such as war, cyberattacks, or natural disasters.

Data from Link, the organization linking the country’s network of over 40,000 ATMs, shows that £429 million was withdrawn on Wednesday and Thursday—£46 million more than the same days the previous week. The average cash withdrawal last Saturday reached £95, marking the highest amount recorded on a Saturday since Link began collecting data in 2014. Figures for subsequent days, typically the busiest for cash withdrawals, have not yet been released.

This surge coincides with the launch of the Labour Party’s “Be Ready” campaign, which advises families to stockpile a three-day supply of essentials like food and water to prepare for possible crises. Since the campaign’s introduction, sales of bottled water, toilet paper, and wind-up radios have risen sharply. Online retailer Ocado reported temporary shortages of popular canned soups, including Heinz and Baxters brands.

The call for increased household preparedness followed comments by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, who emphasized the importance of planning for potential natural disasters, cyberattacks on businesses, or terrorist activity disrupting supply chains. Streeting described the public response as “encouraging” and disclosed that he began stockpiling supplies weeks ago, aiming to set an example.

However, the government’s advisory efforts have drawn criticism. Lord Hannah, director general of the Institute of Economic Affairs, argued that the warnings risk inducing unnecessary panic. “Britain is not a country on the brink of catastrophe,” he said, describing the government’s approach as overly alarmist. A recent poll found that 49 percent of respondents regarded the government’s advice as “an insulting waste of time and money,” while only about 25 percent viewed it as “timely and helpful.”

Although ATM usage has declined in recent years—falling from 3.2 billion transactions a decade ago to 1.3 billion last year—a survey by Link indicates that 61 percent of people had used an ATM within the past two weeks. Usage remains highest among rural communities and older populations, groups more reliant on cash payments.

The recent rise in cash withdrawals suggests that a significant portion of the public is heeding official advice to maintain cash reserves in case electronic payment systems fail during emergencies.