Tragically, the intense heat has already claimed thousands of lives this summer. This has also placed a severe economic strain on resources, as the nation grapples with wildfires, damaged crops, and growing concerns over rising food costs.
Credentials
A spokesperson commented: “Andy Burnham has consistently emphasized the significance of addressing climate change.
“Now that he serves as prime minister, it is crucial for him to connect the current fires, droughts, and heatwaves with the threat of climate change and present a viable plan for the actions his government will undertake.
“He must urgently tackle the issue, which includes halting new oil and gas projects like those at the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields.
“Scientists have made it unequivocally clear that further drilling will harm our planet and exacerbate these extreme weather conditions. The Prime Minister must take action to safeguard the country.”
Suzi Shingler, a Stop Rosebank campaigner, stated: “During his tenure as mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham highlighted his commitment to environmental issues. Now, as prime minister, he has the opportunity to demonstrate his integrity to the nation.
Hottest
“The most definitive way for him to do so is by announcing that he will not permit the development of the highly polluting Rosebank oil field.
“He should also adhere to the electorate’s mandate, which opposes new oilfields. Failing to do so could result in losing the support of many as the UK faces unprecedented heat.”
The heat health alert was extended until last Saturday across much of England, cautioning that elevated temperatures might pose health risks to vulnerable populations. This followed a provisional temperature reading of 38.1C at Kew Gardens in London on Thursday, marking the second time this year that temperatures reached 38C.
Authorities have advised people to take basic measures like avoiding the sun during peak hours, checking on vulnerable friends and family, and staying hydrated.
Polly Ashmore, acting public health consultant at the UKHSA, advised: “Consuming ample water, avoiding the sun during peak times, and maintaining cool indoor environments are essential to ensure safety for yourself and others.
Greenhouse
“For vulnerable groups, including older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions, warmer weather can have serious health consequences.
“We urge health and social care services to be prepared and encourage individuals to check on vulnerable friends and family to ensure everyone is informed of the forecast, follows the necessary advice, and remains safe during this hot weather.”
The extreme heat has made 2026 the first year on record with three separate days reaching 37C, as well as the first year with four days at 36C or above, extending 2026’s record streak of days over 35C.
This marks the fifth heatwave in a summer characterized by intense dry conditions and drought across much of England and Wales.
Britain is increasingly facing severe conditions such as heatwaves, drought, and wildfires, driven largely by climate breakdown and greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels for power, transportation, heating, and industry.
Shortages
England and Wales have already experienced as many wildfires this year as throughout all of 2025.
With dry conditions persisting into August, nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales are experiencing drought, putting pressure on water supplies for households, agriculture, and the environment.
Current dry weather has reduced reservoir storage in England to 66 percent, down from 69 percent the previous week and nearly 14 percentage points below the long-term average for this time of year, according to the Environment Agency.
MPs have urged the Prime Minister to address the “desperately worrying” strain on the UK’s water resources by accelerating the construction of new reservoirs.
Plans are in place for nine new reservoirs to be operational by 2050 in England, aimed at mitigating water shortages by capturing more rain during wet periods, following a more than 30-year hiatus in reservoir construction.
Cool
Research by the UKHSA found that about one in six heat-related deaths in England last summer were linked to dementia.
Angelo Makri, senior knowledge officer for wellbeing at the Alzheimer’s Society, stated: “High temperatures pose serious risks for individuals with dementia if they are not helped to stay cool and hydrated.
“People with dementia may not always recognize when they need to drink or wear appropriate clothing, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
“With extreme temperatures expected this week, we urge families, friends, and caregivers to ensure loved ones are drinking enough, wearing light clothing, and keeping their homes cool.”
This Author
Brendan Montague is an editor of The Ecologist. This article is based on a press release from Green New Deal Rising and information from the Press Association news wire. The letter to Andy Burnham, with signatories, is available here.
