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Burnham bans disposable barbecues
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The gist
PM Andy Burnham urged retailers to withdraw disposable barbecues after Cobra meeting.
The move targets wildfire risk during extreme heat, affecting summer sales and public safety.
Background
The UK is experiencing extreme heat and drought, leading to multiple wildfires, some caused by disposable barbecues. Burnham chaired an emergency Cobra meeting and urged retailers to pull the products, with a possible summer ban under consideration.
How it unfolded
- recentlyMultiple wildfires across the UK, including in the New Forest and Suffolk, were linked to disposable barbecues.
- Aug 12, 2026PM Andy Burnham chaired an emergency Cobra meeting and urged all retailers to withdraw disposable barbecues from sale, citing wildfire risk.
- Aug 12, 2026Burnham said he would consider a temporary summer ban on disposable barbecues, with support from the National Fire Chiefs Council and retailers.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- PM Burnham: 'People should not be using those barbecues outside at this moment in time.'
- Campaigners
- Campaigners criticized the PM for not linking the fires more broadly to the climate crisis.
- Support
- Labour MP Jon Pearce called the prospect of a ban 'hugely welcome'.
- Caution
- The Times editorial called the ban a 'performative distraction' from infrastructure deficits.