A former defence minister has warned people across the UK to stockpile now for a Russian attack. Tobias Ellwood, who was a captain in the British Army before becoming a Conservative MP, said Russia would sow “confusion and panic” by crippling Britain’s water, gas and electricity supplies and bringing down computer systems.

Mr Ellwood, who was a Foreign Office minister and also chairman of the Commons Defence Committee, said: “Every home, business and organisation needs to be able to function for at least 72 hours without outside help.” He said this meant storing food, water and other essentials ready in case Russia strikes. He warned: “Could you and your family stay safe, warm and informed for three days without power, water or internet?”

He said Russia would launch a so-called “grey-zone” attack designed to cripple a country without using conventional military force. Writing in House Magazine, Mr Ellwood said every household should now consider stockpiling:

• 100 litres of clean water
• Non-perishable food, ideally ready to eat or able to be consumed cold
• Candles and a working torch
• A battery-powered radio for news updates
• Iodine tablets in case of nuclear fallout
• Money, in case cash machines and card readers go down
• A basic first aid kit

He warned: “This isn’t speculation – Russia’s ambassador to the UK recently acknowledged that sensors had been placed in British waters, after several devices washed ashore. The Royal Navy is responding, ramping up its ability to detect threats and developing its own unmanned underwater vehicles. But this fight doesn’t begin and end with the military.

“This is a new kind of threat – and it demands a new kind of resilience. One that includes all of us.

“Across Europe, nations are preparing. Germany and France are boosting civilian readiness. Scandinavian countries already lead the way. Poland is reintroducing national service. The UK must match that mindset.”

The ex-MP also said local councils should be drawing up plans to help residents if an attack comes.

Mr Ellwood said: “The era of complacency is over. A significant grey-zone attack on the UK is not just possible – it’s likely. If we want to protect our lives, our economy and our democracy, we must get ready now.

“Let’s prepare. Let’s take responsibility. Because safeguarding Britain starts with all of us."

Russia has responded angrily to suggestions British troops could be part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine if the current conflict ends.

Sergei Shoigu, a close ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, secretary of the powerful Russian security council and an ex-defence minister, said: “Sensible politicians in Europe understand that the implementation of such a scenario could lead to a direct clash between NATO and Russia and subsequently to World War Three.”