England's health-security body; oversees public health protection and response
UK weather alerts warn of a cold spell that could impact health services. Vulnerable people are urged to check on neighbours while cold-health alerts remain in place across parts of England and Scotland; frost and wintry showers are expected into the new week.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
Extreme UK heat has intensified pressure on the NHS and social care, with doctors reporting higher workloads and concerns about care quality. New studies link heat to mental health challenges and increased anxiety, while authorities prepare summer plans and cooling investments. Readers are urged to stay vigilant as services adapt to ongoing heatwaves and the associated risks.
The UK has endured a fifth heatwave this summer, with temperatures pushing into the mid-30s in parts of England and Wales. Health alerts remain in place as drought conditions deepen, with millions under hosepipe bans and reservoirs running low. Forecasters warn the heat could sustain into the week, while authorities prepare extreme heat measures and monitor infrastructure strain.
England endures a fourth heatwave this summer, with drought conditions expanding across the country. Hosepipe bans are in place or expanding, reservoirs remain low, and experts warn that only sustained rainfall will ease the strain on water resources and wildlife.
Meteorological services have confirmed that summer 2026 has recorded the highest mean temperatures on record across the UK and much of western Europe, driven by five widespread heatwaves, prolonged drought and repeated 30°C+ days. Health services, farmers and transport networks have been disrupted and provisional estimates link thousands of excess deaths to the heat.
UK health agencies say salmonella infections may be linked to eggs imported from outside the UK. One fatality has been confirmed. Public health guidance urges vulnerable groups to avoid under‑cooked eggs, while well‑cooked eggs remain safe. The outbreak has affected England most, with hundreds of cases across the UK.
UK health authorities report a widening salmonella outbreak linked to imported eggs. Cases have surged to 474 with 1 death; clusters t5.9411, t0.24068 and t5.9765 are under investigation. Public risk remains low; guidance emphasizes thorough cooking and hygiene, especially for vulnerable groups.
UK immunisation coverage shows signs of stabilising among children starting primary school, but latest data reveal uptake for several vaccines remains below the 95% target set by the WHO. The UK Health Security Agency reports small year-to-year declines in several shots, with regional gaps and disparities in deprived areas. NHS continues offering vaccines free of charge from infancy onward.
Britain faces a hot, drought-scorched summer that has broken multiple temperature records. Officials say human-caused climate change has made such extremes far more likely, with authorities warning of ongoing impacts across health, agriculture and public services.
Ministers have received final consultations on the Rosebank oil and Jackdaw gas fields and are preparing a decision that will balance jobs and energy security against climate concerns. Labour figures, industry groups and environmental campaigners are pressing ministers from different angles as the regulator and Energy Secretary complete their reviews.
Residents near the AGC Chemicals site in Thornton-Cleveleys have shown elevated PFAS levels, especially PFOA, in blood tests. Authorities warn that tests cannot predict individual health outcomes, while calls for more research and clearer guidance intensify as investigations continue.
A British health worker has been evacuated to a high-level isolation unit in London after testing positive for Ebola linked to the DR Congo outbreak. UK authorities say the public remains at low risk as protocols are activated and treatment proceeds at the Royal Free Hospital.