10 hours ago
Navy staff are complaining their formal uniform is too thick and leaving them roasting in the heatwave
ROYAL Navy staff are complaining their formal uniform is too hot and leaving them roasting in the heatwave.
Officers have to wear a woollen jacket, trousers cap and leather shoes on all ceremonial occasions in places like parliament - whatever the weather.
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But as Britain bakes in temperatures over 30C (90F), sailors say their stifling ensembles are leaving them too hot under the collar.
They have privately complained to top brass and are pleading with them to be allowed to wear their lighter uniforms if it is scorching.
A source said: 'The Navy have to wear their thick gabardine wool uniforms when they are in Parliament or at other formal events.
'They are absolutely roasting in this heatwave and have been urging the top brass to drop the wool for something lighter.'
Navy staff are required to wear their full ceremonial gear - known as dress number one - whenever they carry out formal events.
This includes when they visit palaces like Parliament.
A Navy spokeswoman said they have not received any formal complaints and that staff only wear their full, heavy uniforms occasionally.
They are allowed to wear their civvies while behind a desk in the office, she added.
The UK has been sizzling in a heatwave, with the mercury soaring to up to 34C (93F) in parts of the country yesterday.
