UK Reform politician's climate comments draw fire from Labour and economists

Richard Tice, deputy leader of the Reform UK party, faced criticism for suggesting Britons should "enjoy" extreme summer heat rather than address climate risks, prompting Labour and economists to warn that inaction on climate threatens econ

First covered Aug 19, 2026 · 8:10 AM PT · 3 articles · no longer in the live window

UK Reform politician's climate comments draw fire from Labour and economists — Image via theguardian.com

Coverage

38d Guardian Environment Tice should apologise to firefighters for ‘enjoy it’ remark on extreme heat, says Labour — Exclusive: Bridget Phillipson’s comments show her party feels voters have been alienated by Reform net zero attacks Richard Tice should apologise to…

38d Guardian Environment Reform says we need to choose between climate and economy. It's wrong | Larry Elliott — The party’s deputy leader Richard Tice says we should stop worrying about extreme heat and enjoy it.

38d via Bluesky Reform says we need to choose between climate and economy. It's wrong | Larry Elliott — The party’s deputy leader Richard Tice says we should stop worrying about extreme heat and enjoy it.

Primary sources

gov.uk New PM cuts tax on household electricity bills to give breathing space on cost of living — cited by 2 of the outlets above

conservativehome.com David Willetts: It's not just the country but the debate that's been hotting up in the current climate | Conservative Home — cited by 2 of the outlets above

ie.unc.edu Too Fast, Too Fragile: The UK’s Push for Renewables vs. the National Grid - UNC Institute for the Environment — cited by 2 of the outlets above

More coverage from around the web

itv.com Reform's Tice faces backlash for saying climate change not all 'doom and gloom' | ITV News

gbnews.com Richard Tice doubles down on climate change remarks after urging Britons to 'celebrate' heatwaves: 'The eco zealots have gone tonto!'

thelondoneconomic.com Labour release brilliant attack ad on Richard Tice following climate change comments

huffingtonpost.co.uk Richard Tice Dubbed 'Tone-Deaf' After Encouraging Brits To Enjoy Heatwaves Amid Climate Change Crisis

aol.co.uk Reform’s Tice says people should stop fighting climate crisis and ‘enjoy’ heat - AOL

Discussion

Bluesky: @fionaharvey.bsky.social Fiona Harvey · 38d ago · 10 ♥ Read this by Larry Elliott on why UK govt must push harder for net zero, not give up www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Appeared in: 2026-08-20 (#19)

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