DOMINIC Raab appeared to downplay the severity of the incoming heatwave set to hit the UK, stating “we should enjoy the sunshine”.
This comes as The Met Office has issued its first red warning for extreme heat for parts of England, with the possibility of 40C being recorded for the first time in the UK.
An amber warning is also in place, which extends to southern Scotland – with temperatures forecast to reach around 29C in areas of Dumfries and Galloway.
Deputy Prime Minister Raab made the comments on Sky News on Sunday, telling presenter Sophy Ridge: “Being prepared is the best resilience. The NHS are doing a whole load of contingency planning, they’re well prepared for that. The Cabinet Office are making sure other preparations are in place.”
Dominic Raab after the Met Office issues a red alert for 40°+ temperatures. "We ought to enjoy the sunshine"#Ridge #SundayMorning pic.twitter.com/BJA91wXdp8
— Haggis_UK 🇬🇧 🇪🇺 (@Haggis_UK) July 17, 2022
He then went on to state people should follow “common sense, practical advice” such as “suncream and those sorts of things”, but followed this up by saying “we ought to enjoy the sunshine” and claimed people should be “resilient” to the pressures.
Level four is reached “when a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system ... at this level, illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups,” it said.
Fire brigades, including Scottish Fire and Rescue, South Wales Fire And Rescue Service, and the London Fire Brigade, have issued safety warnings, urging people to act responsibly.
This comes as interim prime minister Boris Johnson has been branded “missing in action” as he skipped emergency Cobra meetings to discuss the escalating heatwave to host a farewell party for himself.
