Heatwave deaths a result of political failure, says Green leader

Responding to news that scientists have estimated around 2,700 people lost their lives prematurely during the May and June heatwaves, Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said:

“With thousands of people dying from extreme heat in just a few weeks, this is an urgent public health crisis – and it’s time the government started treating it as such. And yet we have heard absolute silence from the very leaders responsible for keeping people in this country safe.

“These deaths are on the hands of politicians who have failed to act over the years. All those who put profit over the safety of the public by refusing to take real action to prevent the climate crisis – and are now failing to protect us from its impact.

“The message is clear: without action to protect people from extreme heat, we will see thousands more deaths in the years to come. Something must change. That means maximum workplace temperatures to protect workers, a street-by-street programme of insulation to keep homes cool, and cooling measures installed in all settings where people are vulnerable – like schools, hospitals and care homes.”