UK braces for another heatwave amid political divide on net zero

The UK is bracing for another heatwave this week, with temperatures in the south expected to reach the 30s by midweek. The hot spell follows a pattern of extreme weather across Europe and the eastern United States, as climate breakdown accelerates. Wildfires have been reported in southwest France, eastern Spain, and near Thessaloniki in Greece. Scientists note that the last 11 years have been the warmest on record, and 2026 is on track to continue that trend. Already this year, an estimated 4,000 additional deaths have been linked to heat across Europe, with a month of high summer still to come.

Politicians remain divided on how to respond. The Conservative Party argues the transition to net zero should slow down, advocating continued investment in renewable energy where it makes financial sense, but also supporting drilling for gas reserves in the North Sea. Critics point out that the UK currently imports half its gas, much of it from Norway, and that domestic production could create jobs and tax revenue. Meanwhile, speculation mounts that net zero champion Ed Miliband could become the next Chancellor under a potential Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Burnham has promised a growth agenda, raising questions about whether both goals can be achieved together.

On the global stage, the United States under President Trump remains an outlier. Trump's energy secretary announced cuts to subsidies for new wind and solar projects, and the administration has pursued an 'America first' agenda that includes military action in Iran, disrupting fossil fuel markets. In contrast, China is leading the world in green electricity production, and record investment in renewables has made them cheaper than ever. Last year, enough clean energy was generated worldwide to meet the entire growth in demand.

The UK's National Health Service is preparing for the heatwave. Health Secretary James Murray acknowledged that heatwaves create difficulties but said the NHS is resilient and will ensure people get the service they need. He noted that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and that long-term adaptation is needed across public services.

Separately, the news cycle also included reports that Nigel Farage received additional undeclared gifts, this time from a convicted fraudster, though he did not break parliamentary rules.