Six million lives at risk from extreme heat, report warns

Millions of vulnerable people in England are having their lives put at risk by extreme temperatures, a new report has warned. Research by Friends of the Earth found 1.7 million children under five and 4.3 million older people are at high risk of developing heat-related illness as record extreme summer temperatures become more common across the UK.

- MADELINE SHERRATT

The findings were published on what was declared the hottest day of the year so far, with much of the country sweltering under temperatures of up to 31C - though thunderstorms were forecast to move in overnight. The campaign group said a lack of climate protection was the primary cause for leaving those most vulnerable at risk and called for serious change from the Labour government.

Mike Childs head of science, policy, and research at Friends of the Earth, said: "Global temperature records are being broken year on year, but the UK's plans to adapt to the climate crisis are falling far short of what's needed to protect frontline communities. This failure is putting the lives and health of millions of people at risk."