The deputy prime minister urged Britons to take “common sense” precautions as experts warn that the “savage heat” could lead to deaths. The warning comes despite reports that Britons are flocking to beaches across the UK over the weekend, including in Brighton and Blackpool.
England’s chief physician Chris Whitty warned Britons about the possible symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
In a post on Twitter, he said: “The Met Office has issued an extreme heat warning for next week.
“Please be mindful of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially for elderly and medically frail people.
“Early intervention to cool and rehydrate people can be life-saving.”
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However, Mr Raab urged the British to show resilience in the coming days.
Mr Raab, who opened the Rishi Sunak launch for Tory leader last week, told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge: “Obviously there’s some common sense practical advice we’re talking about – stay hydrated, stay out of the sun at the hottest times, wear sun cream, that sort of thing.
“We should be enjoying the sun and actually we should be resilient enough through some of the pressures it will exert.”
The Esher & Walton MP has come under pressure for his comments.
Skin cancer charities even called Mr Raab’s comments “completely irresponsible”.
Melanoma UK founder Gillian Nuttall said: “I would expect much clearer advice to be given from our Deputy Prime Minister.
“Telling us to ‘enjoy’ the sun, without mentioning the dangers of overexposure, is completely irresponsible.”
According to the Telegraph, Dr. Faisal Ali, a dermatologist, said Mr Raab’s comments “risk downplaying the immediate risk of sunburn and the recognized long-term risk of life-threatening skin cancers”.
On Monday, temperatures are forecast to rise above 35C in some areas, with Peterborough expected to reach 37C and Milton Keynes, Norwich and Lincoln seeing temperatures of 36C.
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