The British government has been accused of not taking seriously the heat wave expected to hit the UK from tomorrow, as forecasters warn that the extreme temperatures could lead to people dying.
Outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson missed the Downing Street crisis team meeting on Saturday as he was busy saying goodbye to friends at the prime minister’s country house in Checkers, northwest London. Today, Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab appeared to be rejoicing in the forecast that temperatures could top 40C for the first time on record in England. “Of course, we listen to the sensible advice: stay hydrated, avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day and put on sunscreen, that sort of thing,” he told Sky News, adding: “But we have to take advantage of the sun,” assuring that the country can handle the heat and there is no reason to close schools.
The comments angered health professionals and meteorologists.
“It’s not a nice, sunny day where we’re going to put on some sunscreen, go out and go swimming or eat. This is a severe heat wave that could, ultimately, kill people because it will be so intense. We’re not equipped for this kind of heat in this country,” warned Tracy Nicholls, head of the College of Paramedic Professions.
Transport Secretary Keith Malthouse called for no “serious problems” in transport while London Mayor Sadiq Khan advised people to use public transport only if “absolutely necessary”.
The Met Office has issued its first ‘red alert’ for extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday. The temperature can exceed 40 degrees in London. The absolute UK record goes back to 25 July 2019 and was 38.7 degrees recorded at Cambridge Botanic Gardens.
Patient transport services have been put on alert and many schools have already announced they will remain closed.
Source: News Beast
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