Burnham Considers Barbecue Ban Amid Extreme Heat and Wildfires

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will chair an emergency Cobra meeting on August 12 to address extreme heat, wildfires, and drought across the UK.

Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 38 degrees Celsius, with the Met Office warning that this summer is on track to be the hottest on record. Burnham is considering a ban on disposable barbecues, stating that many wildfires have been caused by them. The country is experiencing its fifth heatwave of the year, with approximately 45 million people living in drought-affected areas and 27 million facing water restrictions.

The National Fire Chiefs Council responded to 966 wildfires across England and Wales in 2026, including 185 in the first 10 days of August. An estimated 2,877 people have died from heat-related causes in 2026, according to British health authorities in July. The UK Government is taking action to protect communities, water supplies, farming, and the environment.

Victims' commissioner Claire Waxman accused Burnham of creating chaos and uncertainty in the justice system. Additionally, analysis of Home Office figures shows 17 local authorities have no asylum seekers receiving government accommodation or financial support, while urban centers like Glasgow and Birmingham accommodate thousands. Burnham suggested wealthier areas should take a greater share of asylum seekers, stating all parts of the country need to work, to play their part.