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Labour chair calls on Reform UK deputy leader to apologise for 'enjoy it' heat remark

Created at 19 Aug · 4:26 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Labour chair Bridget Phillipson has called on Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice to apologize to firefighters for suggesting people should "enjoy" the extreme heat. Phillipson stated Tice's comments were inappropriate given the real-world impacts of climate change, such as wildfires.

Who's Involved

Richard Tice
Reform UK deputy leader who urged people to "enjoy" the extreme heat
Bridget Phillipson
Labour party chair calling for an apology from Richard Tice
Claire Coutinho
Shadow energy secretary criticizing the government's net zero policy
Andy Burnham
Mayor criticized by climate campaigners for his climate crisis statements

↳ Why This Matters

The exchange highlights the political debate surrounding climate change policy and the response to extreme weather events, with Labour seeking to draw a contrast with Reform UK's stance and pressure the government on its net zero commitments.

Key facts

  • Labour chair Bridget Phillipson has called on Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice to apologize for his remarks about enjoying the extreme heat.
  • Tice had stated, "When it’s a bit warm, let’s enjoy it."
  • Phillipson argued Tice owes an apology to firefighters battling wildfires in extreme conditions.
  • Labour highlighted Tice's comments alongside footage of homes destroyed by wildfires.
  • The Prime Minister acknowledged the need to "face up to the changing climate" after a heatwave meeting.

Labour has called on Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice to apologize for suggesting people should "enjoy" the summer's extreme heat. Labour chair Bridget Phillipson stated that Tice owes an apology to firefighters who have been battling wildfires across the country, putting their lives at risk to protect homes and communities.

Phillipson criticized Tice's remarks, saying, "It’s not funny to crack jokes about sparkling wine at a point at which our brave firefighters are out there kind of battling the real world impact of what we’re seeing from climate change." Labour has sought to highlight Tice’s comments, releasing a video that juxtaposes his words with footage of homes destroyed in a wildfire.

The comments come as the government faces pressure regarding its net zero policies. Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho criticized the government's push to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, advocating for a focus on making electricity cheap and prioritizing consumer choice. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held a Cobra meeting to discuss the heatwave but initially focused on disposable barbecues before later acknowledging the need to "face up to the changing climate."

Phillipson defended Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham against criticism from climate campaigners, stating that he has spoken about the climate crisis and witnessed its impact firsthand.

Frequently asked questions

Richard Tice urged people to "enjoy" the summer's extreme heat, suggesting it could benefit English wine production.

Labour chair Bridget Phillipson believes Tice's comments were insensitive to the efforts of firefighters battling wildfires caused by extreme heat and the real-world impacts of climate change.

The government is under pressure regarding its net zero policies. Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho has criticized the current approach, advocating for cheaper electricity and consumer choice. The Prime Minister has acknowledged the need to address climate change.

What Happens Next

01Ministers are expected to announce decisions on new North Sea oil and gas fields in the coming weeks.

How It Developed

Richard Tice urged people to "enjoy" the summer's extreme heat.
Labour chair Bridget Phillipson called on Tice to apologize to firefighters.
Phillipson stated Tice's remarks were inappropriate given the impact of climate change.
Labour released a video contrasting Tice's comments with footage of wildfire devastation.
Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho criticized the government's net zero push.
The Prime Minister held a Cobra meeting on the heatwave but did not mention climate breakdown.
The Prime Minister later acknowledged the need to "face up to the changing climate."
Phillipson defended Andy Burnham's record on the climate crisis.

Sources

T1
Tice should apologise to firefighters for ‘enjoy it’ remark on extreme heat, says LabourThe Guardian

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