Ministers are facing renewed pressure to address the growing threat of extreme heat as parts of Britain brace for temperatures approaching 40C. The warning comes after ambulance services reported a record surge in heat-related emergencies, with thousands of calls for dehydration, breathing difficulties, and other heat-linked illnesses during one of the most intense heatwaves on record.
MPs Demand Answers on Preparedness
In a strongly worded letter to the Government, Labour MP Toby Perkins, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, has called for urgent action to prevent hospitals, care homes, schools, and prisons from overheating. He is seeking answers on whether ministers support measures including maximum workplace temperatures, wider use of air conditioning and cooling systems, and adjustments to school timetables during extreme heat.
The intervention highlights growing concern that Britain's infrastructure, housing stock, and public services are ill-equipped to cope with increasingly frequent heatwaves. MPs are demanding urgent answers on the nation's preparedness for what has been described as a "silent killer."
Record Heat-Related Emergencies
Earlier this week, health officials warned of mounting pressure on frontline services as soaring temperatures drove a record number of heat-related ambulance call-outs. Experts have repeatedly warned that heat is particularly dangerous for older people, young children, and those with existing health conditions, with thousands of excess deaths linked to extreme heat in recent years.
According to the Met Office, the UK recorded temperatures of 36C, with some areas expected to approach 40C. The heatwave has prompted an extended heat warning from the Met Office as the country bakes in June.
Inadequate Adaptation Plans
In his letter, Mr Perkins highlighted concerns that the UK's preparations remain inadequate despite repeated warnings from climate experts. The Environmental Audit Committee is also seeking assurances that new homes are built to withstand future heatwaves and has questioned ministers about progress on the Fourth National Adaptation Programme.
The Government's current adaptation strategy has already faced criticism from the independent Climate Change Committee, which stated that the existing plan falls "far short of what is needed." During a recent evidence session, MPs heard that heat extremes are increasing faster than many scientific forecasts anticipated. One witness warned that the UK was "built for a climate that no longer exists."
Economic and Health Impacts
Mr Perkins said: "This week parts of the UK are facing temperatures approaching 40 degrees, a level of extreme heat that was once unthinkable yet now is becoming increasingly likely. The effects of such extreme heat can be disruptive and devastating. Without action, we will see economic productivity take a hit; more people needing attention in hospital and suffering with poor mental health; more hospitals, care homes and schools overheating and more of our critical transport, water, food and IT systems failing."
He added: "Economic productivity will be hit, but more importantly we will likely see a significant number of deaths as a direct result of the current heatwave. The evidence could not be clearer that extreme heat is an urgent threat to the UK. Yet the government is currently falling 'far short of what is needed', according to its independent climate advisors. Taking action carries a significant cost. But the cost of doing nothing is far, far greater."
Government Response
The Government has previously stated it is working to improve the nation's resilience to extreme weather through its adaptation plans and wider climate resilience measures. However, the letter from MPs underscores the urgency of the situation as the UK continues to experience unprecedented heat.
