DOWNING Street won’t say if Boris Johnson will be attending talks on preparing for the heatwave as he works from Chequers over the weekend.
Johnson is stepping down as Prime Minister officially in September – but has insisted on sticking around as interim leader until his successor is elected.
From Friday, he will be “working” from the PM’s official country residence while the UK braces for “extreme heat”.
However, Downing Street did not deny that Johnson is hosting a party for supporters there in the coming days. Asked about reports, a spokesperson said: “As is usual practice, any political events would be for my political colleagues, it wouldn’t be a question for me, but I confirmed that the PM will be in Chequers over the weekend.”
The Met Office has issued a red warning for parts of England, and an amber warning for southern Scotland, for Monday and Tuesday.
It is thought that temperatures will reach 40 degrees for the first time in the UK in parts of England.
Cabinet Office minister Kit Malthouse has said the UK Government is preparing for a “surge” in demand on the NHS and other services due to the expected heatwave.
After chairing a meeting of the Cobra civil contingencies committee in Whitehall, Malthouse urged the public to look out for people who were particularly vulnerable in the heat.
Avanti West Coast has warned passengers who wish to use services between London Euston and Scotland to plan ahead due to the impact of the heat on rail lines, stressing that services may be cut at short notice.
But despite the expected widespread problems, it is not clear whether the Prime Minister who was so keen to continue in the role will be heavily involved in preparation work for the emergency.
A No 10 spokesman said: “Cobra met yesterday and officials from across Government will continue to meet regularly both today and throughout the weekend.”
Asked if the PM is involved, the spokesman said: “As always the Prime Minister is kept up to date with all the latest information.”
Pressed if he will be joining talks from Chequers, the spokesman added: “He’s kept thoroughly updated on the latest situation.”
Our @metoffice forecasters have issued the first ever Red Extreme heat warning for unprecedented heat across parts of the UK on Monday and Tuesday. Please take this warning seriously and take steps to keep you and those around you safe. #heatwave pic.twitter.com/vjMUsvYtbP
— @MetOfficeCE (@metofficece) July 15, 2022
Earlier on Friday, Penny Endersby, Met Office chief executive, said in a sombre online video: “Here in the UK we’re used to treating a hot spell as a chance to go and play in the sun.
“This is not that sort of weather.
“Our lifestyles and our infrastructure are not adapted to what is coming.
“Please treat the warnings we are putting out as seriously as you would a red or amber warning from us for wind or snow and follow the advice.
“Stay out of the sun, keep your home cool, think about adjusting your plans for the warning period.”
