Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, has faced criticism for his government’s handling of the intense heatwave currently affecting Britain and much of Europe. Broadcaster Chris Packham and Green Party leader Zack Polanski both condemned Burnham’s approach during a period marked by record-breaking temperatures and related risks.

At a Green Party press conference in Westminster, Packham highlighted the potential for as many as 50,000 deaths across Europe as a result of the extreme heat. He argued that if such fatalities were caused by terrorism or a pandemic, the government would have responded with emergency measures, cancelling official holidays, convening Cobra meetings, and launching a public information campaign similar to the Covid-19 response. Instead, Packham accused Burnham of an “astonishing dereliction of duty” and urged the Prime Minister to take more decisive action, warning that failure to act could lead to devastating consequences.

Polanski echoed these sentiments, warning that the effects of the heatwave could be compounded by flooding if rain falls on soil that has become unusually dry and cracked due to prolonged heat. He accused the highest levels of government of near silence and inadequate response, stating that lives and livelihoods were at risk. Polanski described the heatwave as a warning sign of more severe climate impacts to come if urgent measures are not taken.

The criticisms also reflected a broader disagreement within the British political landscape, especially on the left, regarding the country’s energy policy. The debate intensified following claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Burnham informed him of plans to open up new oil drilling in the North Sea. While Burnham has refrained from committing to specific projects, describing his stance as “pragmatic,” both Packham and Polanski voiced strong opposition to expanding fossil fuel extraction, including developments at the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields.

Packham denounced any talk of new oil drilling as “simply madness” during a climate emergency, reiterating calls for the government to prioritize environmental and public health concerns over energy expansion. Polanski also raised concerns about the recent appointment of John Healey as Chancellor, noting that Healey resigned as Defence Secretary over military underfunding but argued that climate and nature crises should be considered integral to national security.

Together, these voices underscore growing pressure on Burnham and his administration to adopt more aggressive policies addressing climate change and its immediate effects amid what many see as an escalating environmental emergency.