Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Heatwave Response

20 July 2022 · 17 other contributors

Opened by Kit Malthouse Con North West Hampshire

ClimateEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Kit Malthouse raised concerns about heatwave response in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The Minister highlighted the recent UK heatwave that set new temperature records.
  • He acknowledged the resilience of emergency agencies in managing the crisis.
  • The Minister expressed condolences to those affected by property damage and loss of life.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Kit Malthouse

The Minister highlighted the recent heatwave that set new records across the UK, with temperatures exceeding previous highs. He acknowledged the collective national effort in managing the heat, emphasising the resilience of fire and rescue services and other emergency agencies during the crisis. The Minister expressed condolences to those affected by property damage and loss of life due to wildfires and accidents in water bodies. He praised the proactive public response to safety advisories issued by various health and service organisations, noting a significant uptake in online guidance on managing heat exhaustion. While acknowledging future challenges posed by climate change, he committed to launching the national resilience strategy as soon as possible.

Other contributors (17)
  • Angela Rayner Lab Ashton-under-Lyne

    Question

    Ms Rayner criticised the lack of emergency resilience plans and demanded immediate action on delivering essential services during extreme weather. She questioned where the Prime Minister was as the country faced a crisis and challenged the caretaker minister's leadership.

    Minister reply

    The Minister responded by emphasising the ongoing work across Government to build resilience against future challenges, acknowledging the need for a national resilience strategy which will be published at the earliest opportunity by the new Administration. He highlighted the importance of international efforts towards net zero and adaptation programmes under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

  • Angela Rayner Lab Ashton-under-Lyne

    Question

    The events of the last few days have been incredibly traumatic for communities across Britain. The right hon. Member criticised the delay in addressing the heatwave crisis, citing cuts to fire and rescue services over the last decade and lack of mutual aid during emergencies as reasons for inadequate response. She called for a long-term emergency resilience plan and highlighted Labour’s proposals for a Department-wide approach with a Minister for Resilience, empowering local government and businesses.

    Minister reply

    The right hon. Member’s claims were rebutted by the Minister who noted that mutual aid was provided from Merseyside to Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service when requested. He also pointed out that this is not the first time he has addressed the issue in the House and emphasised the system's overall resilience during the heatwave.

  • James Wild Con North West Norfolk

    Question

    Yesterday, wildfires in my constituency destroyed properties in Brancaster Staithe and also destroyed habitats and wildlife on the famous Wild Ken Hill estate. The hon. Member thanked emergency services and local community members for their efforts during the crisis and reinforced his commitment to achieving net zero.

    Minister reply

    The Minister acknowledged the severe testing of Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, mentioning mutual aid provided from as far afield as Merseyside. He also emphasised the importance of long-term work on climate change and the contribution towards the battle against it.

  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    Question

    The hon. Member paid tribute to emergency services and extended sympathy to those affected by fires in England. He expressed concerns about the lack of strategic planning for future heatwaves and critical infrastructure resilience. The hon. Gentleman also criticised the optics of the Prime Minister’s decision during the crisis.

    Minister reply

    The Minister highlighted the remarkable work of firefighters and the need to learn from European partners on infrastructure resilience. He also pointed out that other Cabinet Members, including those from Scotland, joined Cobra meetings despite criticism.

  • Jackie Doyle-Price Con Thurrock

    Question

    Pays tribute to emergency services, mentions the River Thames and the Port of London Authority's role in drowning prevention.

    Minister reply

    Emphasises the need for awareness about water dangers, particularly on the River Thames. Acknowledges the PLA’s work and agrees to consider coordinating efforts with local authorities.

  • Ian Lavery Lab Blyth and Ashington

    Question

    Criticises cuts to fire and rescue services and the 2% pay increase offer, calling for better investment in tackling climate change.

    Minister reply

    Explains that firefighter pay is set by a joint employer-employee body, not the Government. Mentions successes in reducing fires through prevention efforts.

  • Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest

    Question

    Pays tribute to emergency services and local authorities for their work during extreme weather events.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the hard work of emergency services and local authorities. Also pays tribute to civil contingency secretariat staff for their coordination efforts.

  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    Question

    Congratulates Minister on new role, discusses fire and rescue services White Paper consultation deadline.

    Minister reply

    Agrees to raise the issue of extending the consultation deadline with the relevant minister.

  • Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim

    Question

    Questions effectiveness of current climate change policies and suggests focusing on adaptation rather than decarbonisation.

    Minister reply

    Urges optimism about technological progress in addressing climate change, citing historical examples of British innovation.

  • Barry Sheerman

    Question

    Calls for seizing the moment to gain public support and urgency on climate change action.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledges the importance of public support and the need to illustrate that climate actions will benefit future generations.

  • Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West

    Question

    Asks about commitment to reaching net zero as quickly as possible, given recent weather events.

    Minister reply

    Reiterates the Conservative Party's long-standing commitment to climate change action since David Cameron’s tenure.

  • Olivia Blake Lab Sheffield Hallam

    Question

    Critiques cuts to fire and rescue services, questioning if frontline workers deserve better in tackling the climate emergency.

    Minister reply

    Points out that firefighter pay is determined by a joint employer-employee body, not the Government.

  • Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North

    Question

    Pays tribute to South Yorkshire fire and rescue service for their work in difficult conditions. Asks about the plans of following up on the inquiry by Joint Committee on National Security Strategy regarding climate adaptation.

    Minister reply

    States that they will learn lessons as incidents occur and review the joint committee's report. Emphasises continuous attention to resilience of critical national infrastructure.

  • Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op York Central

    Question

    Commends NHS staff and North Yorkshire fire and rescue service but urges against cuts. Requests that all areas have a proper integrated resilience plan.

    Minister reply

    Offers to arrange a meeting for the MP with the lead body on the resilience forum in York, suggesting it will provide reassurance.

  • Margaret Ferrier

    Question

    Thanks firefighters and expresses condolences to families of those who have died due to drowning incidents. Asks about support given to organisations like RNLI.

    Minister reply

    Echos thanks for the fire services and indicates there has been a strong communication campaign against risks of swimming in unsafe areas, suggesting further targeted education is needed.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Thanks Minister for statement and expresses condolences to families of those who died. Asks if there were discussions with the Ministry of Defence about using armed forces personnel. Questions whether public safety can be increased to prevent further tragic loss of life.

    Minister reply

    States that it was not deemed necessary to use armed forces in this situation, as emergency services coped appropriately. Indicates a need for more targeted communication and education on water safety.

Shadow Comment

Angela Rayner

The Shadow Secretary criticised the Government's delayed response to the predictable heatwave and expressed concern over inadequate funding for emergency services. She highlighted the need for a long-term emergency resilience plan, stressing that current advice on drinking water and wearing hats is insufficient. Angela Rayner demanded immediate action on delivering essential services and ensuring safety in various environments during extreme weather conditions. She called out the Prime Minister's absence during critical Cobra meetings and questioned his leadership, urging the Government to prioritise public safety.

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