However, Prime Minister Johnson did not appear – and instead invited to a party.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has again come under fire for a celebration. As the news channel Sky News reported, the outgoing prime minister gave a private party at the luxurious country estate Checkers. The government had previously declared a disaster due to the heat record expected for early next week and convened a meeting of the national crisis team. However, Johnson had not shown up the day before.
The deputy leader of the opposition Labor Party, Angela Rayner, spoke of a “zombie government” and called on Johnson to vacate his seat “if he is still unable to take responsibility”. A plan is needed to keep people safe at work, in traffic, in schools, hospitals and nursing homes in the face of the heat, Rayner said.
Raab: enjoy the sunshine
Johnson’s deputy Dominic Raab was also criticized. On the occasion of the heatwave, he told Sky News television that there was “of course advice on how to deal with the heat, such as avoiding the sun in the hottest hours and using sunscreen”. But “we should enjoy the sunshine,” he added. The country is resilient enough to deal with the heat.
Criticism came from the Association of Paramedics, among others, who warned: “This is a serious heat wave that could lead to the death of people.” Government member Kit Malthouse also warned of “significant disruptions” to public transport and advised citizens to work from home if possible.
UK heat warning
The British Weather Service has issued a red weather warning for Monday and Tuesday due to heat – for the first time ever. Up to 40 degrees Celsius are expected in large parts of England. The previous temperature record is 38.7 degrees and was measured in Cambridge in 2019.
Johnson resigned as party leader at the beginning of July under massive pressure from his parliamentary group and the cabinet. He had previously struggled with one scandal after another – including because of banned lockdown parties at the seat of government. However, he intends to remain in office until a successor is elected.
The selection process moves into another round on Monday when the five remaining candidates face a vote by Conservative Party faction members. The last-placed player is eliminated. The process continues until only two candidates are left. The Tory party members should then decide over the summer who will succeed Johnson as party leader and thus as prime minister.
