Warnings as UK bakes in the first heat wave of 2025
British health officials are warning people across the country to take precautions when out in the sun as the UK bakes under its first heat wave of 2025.
Temperatures are expected to peak at 34C in some parts of eastern England on Saturday following a week of unusually warm weather, according to the national weather agency the Met Office.
That is about 12C higher than normal for this time of year.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert covering all of England because of increased health risks for people over 65 and those with heart and lung problems.
"Heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions," Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of the UKHSA, said in a statement.
"It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbors who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun."
Saturday is expected to be the hottest day of the heat wave, with temperatures falling slightly on Sunday and dropping back into the more normal temperatures next week, the Met Office said.
The heat alert is currently scheduled to remain in effect until Monday morning.
Unusually, temperatures in London this week have been higher than in many parts of Western Europe.
That was because the high temperatures were not the result of hot air moving north from the Iberian Peninsula or North Africa as was often the case, the Met Office said.
Instead, this weather system originated in air high over the Atlantic Ocean south of Greenland.
As it approaches the UK, it descends toward ground level, causing it to warm rapidly, Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lenhert said.
That said, it has been plenty hot in Europe, too.
Aviation enthusiasts attending the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, this week sought the shade of a Boeing 777's wing, cooling off as temperatures hovered in the low 30s.
Met Office scientists this week published research showing that climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme high temperatures in the UK.
The chance of temperatures exceeding 40C was more than 20 times higher than it was in the 1960s, the researchers said.
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9 News
3 hours ago
- 9 News
UK lawmakers back bill to allow terminally ill adults to end their lives
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here UK lawmakers on Friday approved a bill to allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales to choose to end their lives in a historic vote in Parliament that takes it a step nearer to becoming law. Members of Parliament voted 314-291 to back the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill following an impassioned and respectful debate. The majority of 23 was less than the 55 when they last voted on the issue in November, meaning that some lawmakers changed their minds in the intervening months. Banners are held by pro-assisted dying campaigners as they gather outside Parliament ahead of Fridays report stage in the Commons on The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which is expected to see MPs vote on further amendments, in Westminster in London, May 15, 2025 (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Since November, the bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which has been shepherded through Parliament by Labour lawmaker Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. "I appreciate it's a huge moment for the country," she told Sky News after the vote. "It was a huge sense of relief because this is the right thing to do." It's not quite law yet as the bill now goes to the unelected House of Lords, which can amend or delay policy, though it can't overrule the lower chamber. The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. The bill would allow terminally ill adults over age 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. This particular bill doesn't apply to Northern Ireland and Scotland, the latter of which is holding its own vote on the issue. Demonstrators against assisted dying hold banners outside Parliament in London, Friday, June 20, 2025, as British lawmakers are set to vote Friday on whether to back a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Perhaps the most important change to the bill from last November was the dropping of the requirement that a judge sign off on any decision. Many in the legal profession had objected. Now any request would be subject to approval by two doctors and a panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist. Changes were also made to ensure the establishment of independent advocates to support people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health conditions and the creation of a disability advisory board. Having received the go-ahead from doctors and the panel, the terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Another big change made was that "no person," including doctors, social care workers and pharmacists, will be obliged to take part. For months, the bill has divided lawmakers, political parties, as well as the country. Proponents of the bill argued that those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives to relieve their suffering. They also said that the current situation discriminates against the poor as wealthy individuals can already travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. A van displaying a sign passes Big Ben as demonstrators both for and against assisted dying hold banners outside Parliament in London, Friday, June 20, 2025, as British lawmakers are set to vote Friday on whether to back a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) However, opponents warned that the most vulnerable people in society, such as the disabled and older people, could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Supporters of both sides all agreed of the need to make improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering. Passions were running high outside of Parliament where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying," while opponents held up banners urging lawmakers not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service." The legislation now goes to the unelected House of Lords, Any amendments would then go back to the House of Commons. Backers of the bill say implementation will take four years, rather than the initially suggested two. That means it could become law in 2029, around the time that the next general election must be held. Demonstrators for assisted dying hold banners outside Parliament in London, Friday, June 20, 2025, as British lawmakers are set to vote Friday on whether to back a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) There is clearly no consensus in the Cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, voted against. The government has said it will respect the outcome. However, it's not clear what the cost implications are, or how it would impact the NHS, hospice care and the legal system. Other countries that have legalised assisted suicide include Australia, Belgium, Canada and parts of the United States, with regulations on who is eligible varying by jurisdiction. Assisted suicide is different from euthanasia, allowed in the Netherlands and Canada, which involves health care practitioners administering a lethal injection at the patient's request in specific circumstances. World UK health suicide Assisted Dying CONTACT US Auto news:Is this the next Subaru WRX? Mysterious performance car teased.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
British MPs begin crunch debate on assisted dying
British MPs have begun a crunch debate on a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, before a vote that could be one of the most consequential social policy decisions they will ever make. The conscience vote, which is due to take place about 2.30pm (11.30pm AEST) on Friday, is expected to be extremely close, with those on both sides of the issue voicing confidence. As things stand, proponents of so-called assisted dying have the edge. When MPs last voted on the issue in November, those backing assisted dying won by 330 votes to 275. Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. "Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo," she said. "And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories." Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives. However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative. Diane Abbott, a veteran left-wing Labour MP, urged MPs to "speak up for the voiceless one more time, because there is no doubt that if this bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to, and they will be amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society". Passions were running high outside parliament, where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying", while opponents held up banners urging MPs not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service". The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. The bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Proponents say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some MPs who backed the bill earlier did so only on the proviso there would be changes made. Some who backed the bill are disappointed by the changes, while others say parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues. Friday's vote is not the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the House of Lords, which can delay and amend policy. There is no consensus in the cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he would respect the outcome. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 British MPs have begun a crunch debate on a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, before a vote that could be one of the most consequential social policy decisions they will ever make. The conscience vote, which is due to take place about 2.30pm (11.30pm AEST) on Friday, is expected to be extremely close, with those on both sides of the issue voicing confidence. As things stand, proponents of so-called assisted dying have the edge. When MPs last voted on the issue in November, those backing assisted dying won by 330 votes to 275. Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. "Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo," she said. "And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories." Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives. However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative. Diane Abbott, a veteran left-wing Labour MP, urged MPs to "speak up for the voiceless one more time, because there is no doubt that if this bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to, and they will be amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society". Passions were running high outside parliament, where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying", while opponents held up banners urging MPs not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service". The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. The bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Proponents say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some MPs who backed the bill earlier did so only on the proviso there would be changes made. Some who backed the bill are disappointed by the changes, while others say parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues. Friday's vote is not the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the House of Lords, which can delay and amend policy. There is no consensus in the cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he would respect the outcome. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 British MPs have begun a crunch debate on a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, before a vote that could be one of the most consequential social policy decisions they will ever make. The conscience vote, which is due to take place about 2.30pm (11.30pm AEST) on Friday, is expected to be extremely close, with those on both sides of the issue voicing confidence. As things stand, proponents of so-called assisted dying have the edge. When MPs last voted on the issue in November, those backing assisted dying won by 330 votes to 275. Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. "Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo," she said. "And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories." Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives. However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative. Diane Abbott, a veteran left-wing Labour MP, urged MPs to "speak up for the voiceless one more time, because there is no doubt that if this bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to, and they will be amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society". Passions were running high outside parliament, where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying", while opponents held up banners urging MPs not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service". The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. The bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Proponents say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some MPs who backed the bill earlier did so only on the proviso there would be changes made. Some who backed the bill are disappointed by the changes, while others say parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues. Friday's vote is not the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the House of Lords, which can delay and amend policy. There is no consensus in the cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he would respect the outcome. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 British MPs have begun a crunch debate on a bill to help terminally ill adults end their lives in England and Wales, before a vote that could be one of the most consequential social policy decisions they will ever make. The conscience vote, which is due to take place about 2.30pm (11.30pm AEST) on Friday, is expected to be extremely close, with those on both sides of the issue voicing confidence. As things stand, proponents of so-called assisted dying have the edge. When MPs last voted on the issue in November, those backing assisted dying won by 330 votes to 275. Since then, the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has been scrutinised, leading to some changes in the proposed legislation, which is being shepherded through parliament by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater rather than the government. In opening the debate, Leadbeater relayed how she had heard hundreds of stories from people who saw their loved ones die in traumatic circumstances. "Not supporting the bill today is not a neutral act. It is a vote for the status quo," she said. "And it fills me with despair to think MPs could be here in another 10 years' time hearing the same stories." Proponents of the bill argue those with a terminal diagnosis must be given a choice at the end of their lives. However, opponents say the disabled and older people could be at risk of being coerced, directly or indirectly, into ending their lives to save money or relieve the burden on family members. Others have called for improvements in palliative care and greater investments in hospices to ease suffering as a better and more moral alternative. Diane Abbott, a veteran left-wing Labour MP, urged MPs to "speak up for the voiceless one more time, because there is no doubt that if this bill is passed in its current form, people will lose their lives who do not need to, and they will be amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society". Passions were running high outside parliament, where hundreds of people gathered to make their voices heard. Supporters were dressed in clothing emblazoned with the phrase "Campaign for Dignity in Dying", while opponents held up banners urging MPs not to make the state-run National Health Service the "National Suicide Service". The vote is potentially the biggest change to social policy since abortion was partially legalised in 1967. The bill would allow terminally ill adults aged over 18 in England and Wales, who are deemed to have less than six months to live, to apply for an assisted death. The terminally ill person would have to be capable of taking the fatal drugs themselves. Proponents say wealthy individuals can travel to Switzerland, which allows foreigners to legally end their lives, while others have to face possible prosecution for helping their loves ones die. The outcome of the vote is unclear, as some MPs who backed the bill earlier did so only on the proviso there would be changes made. Some who backed the bill are disappointed by the changes, while others say parliament has not been given enough time to debate the issues. Friday's vote is not the end of the matter. The legislation would then go to the House of Lords, which can delay and amend policy. There is no consensus in the cabinet about the measure. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will back the bill on Friday, while his health secretary, Wes Streeting, is opposed, but said he would respect the outcome. Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Perth Now
Warnings as UK bakes in the first heat wave of 2025
British health officials are warning people across the country to take precautions when out in the sun as the UK bakes under its first heat wave of 2025. Temperatures are expected to peak at 34C in some parts of eastern England on Saturday following a week of unusually warm weather, according to the national weather agency the Met Office. That is about 12C higher than normal for this time of year. The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat health alert covering all of England because of increased health risks for people over 65 and those with heart and lung problems. "Heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions," Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of the UKHSA, said in a statement. "It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbors who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun." Saturday is expected to be the hottest day of the heat wave, with temperatures falling slightly on Sunday and dropping back into the more normal temperatures next week, the Met Office said. The heat alert is currently scheduled to remain in effect until Monday morning. Unusually, temperatures in London this week have been higher than in many parts of Western Europe. That was because the high temperatures were not the result of hot air moving north from the Iberian Peninsula or North Africa as was often the case, the Met Office said. Instead, this weather system originated in air high over the Atlantic Ocean south of Greenland. As it approaches the UK, it descends toward ground level, causing it to warm rapidly, Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lenhert said. That said, it has been plenty hot in Europe, too. Aviation enthusiasts attending the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, this week sought the shade of a Boeing 777's wing, cooling off as temperatures hovered in the low 30s. Met Office scientists this week published research showing that climate change is increasing the likelihood of extreme high temperatures in the UK. The chance of temperatures exceeding 40C was more than 20 times higher than it was in the 1960s, the researchers said.
