英国新任首相安迪·伯恩汉姆因在极端气候事件频发期间对气候危机保持沉默而遭到广泛批评。[1]上台不足25天期间，伯恩汉姆未就气候危机发表任何评论。[1]与此同时，英国今夏经历五次极端热浪、野火频发、干旱加剧。[1]在一次眼镜蛇（Cobra）会议中，政府仅提出"可能禁止一次性烤架"的措施，这项提议本身并未确定。[1]
气候专家和环保人士对此提出了严厉批评。[1]环保署前主任艾玛·霍华德·博伊德呼吁政府"紧急采取行动"为更炎热气候做准备。[1]绿党领导人扎克·波兰斯基指出，极端天气对安全、食品和水供应、生活方式构成多重威胁。[1]现实中，学校教室温度已超过40°C，护士在医院急诊科晕倒，农民警告粮食产量将下降、价格上涨。[1]然而政府专门部门仅有20名工作人员负责气候适应工作。[1]
值得注意的是，伯恩汉姆在担任曼彻斯特市长期间曾承诺该市2038年前实现碳中和。[1]
Andy Burnham, Britain's newly appointed Prime Minister, has drawn sharp rebuke from climate scientists, environmental groups, and public figures for his apparent reluctance to address the climate emergency. Within less than 25 days of taking office, Burnham has made no public statements regarding the climate crisis despite the country experiencing five extreme heat waves during the summer, widespread wildfires, and intensifying drought conditions.[1]
The government's response has been characterized as inadequate by critics. During a Cobra emergency meeting convened to address the crisis, the administration announced only a potential ban on single-use disposable barbecues—described as a non-committal measure rather than a definitive policy.[1] Emma Howard Boyd, former head of the Environment Agency, has called on the government to "take urgent action" to prepare for a hotter climate.[1] Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, has highlighted the multi-faceted threats posed by extreme weather, including risks to safety, food and water supplies, and living conditions.[1]
The strain on public services has been evident. School classrooms have recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, nursing staff have collapsed in hospital accident and emergency departments, and farmers have warned of lower crop yields and rising food prices.[1] A dedicated government department tasked with climate adaptation operates with only 20 staff members.[1] The contrast is further underscored by Burnham's previous record as Mayor of Manchester, when he pledged the city would achieve carbon neutrality by 2038.[1]