Andy Burnham Considers Barbecue Ban Amid UK Heatwave

Prime Minister Andy Burnham chaired an emergency Cobra committee meeting on Wednesday to coordinate the response to extreme heat, drought, and a surge in wildfires. Speaking in Stevenage, Burnham announced the government is considering a temporary nationwide ban on disposable barbecues after such devices sparked blazes in areas including the New Forest and Suffolk. He stated that people should not be using these grills outside given the current risks.

The crisis comes as the Met Office forecasts temperatures up to 38°C and issues rare amber extreme heat warnings for London, the Midlands, and East England. The UK is on track for its hottest summer on record, with a flash drought affecting 71.3% of England and all of Wales. In response, the government has allocated £97 million to upgrade firefighting capabilities. Steve Wright of the Fire Brigades Union described the situation as a national emergency, noting that firefighters have responded to 966 wildfires across England and Wales this year.

While some ministers oppose a blanket ban, the National Fire Chiefs Council and MP Jon Pearce have advocated for restrictions. Major supermarkets have already voluntarily suspended sales of single-use grills following guidance from fire chiefs. Meanwhile, Southern Water has requested a rare drought order to restrict non-essential business water use in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticized the timing of the emergency meeting, arguing that climate change is the greatest threat to human security.