Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to reduce heat-related deaths during heat waves in the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency aims to reduce heat-related deaths primarily through the Adverse Weather and Health Plan. This provides guidance and tools for the public and public sector organisations to prepare for impacts of adverse weather, including heat. The plan is reviewed and monitored annually to ensure it remains effective.

Health risks are communicated through Heat‑Health Alerts. These identify periods of greatest risk to vulnerable populations and enhance communications to support partner organisations and the public in taking action to minimise health harms. Summer 2025 was the warmest on record, yet heat-related deaths, estimated at 1,504, were roughly half of the 3,039 expected based on past trends. This reduction highlights the success of coordinated responses across national, regional, and local levels, alongside improved public awareness and health system readiness.