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Tice criticized for extreme heat remark
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The gist
Richard Tice told Britons to 'enjoy' extreme heat, sparking Labour and Greenpeace criticism.
The row highlights political divides over climate policy amid wildfires and heat deaths.
Background
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, made the remarks at a press conference as part of a broader attack on net zero policies. His comments came during a summer of extreme heat in the UK, with wildfires, evacuations, and thousands of excess deaths attributed to heat. Labour and climate campaigners condemned the remarks as out of touch, while the Conservative party also criticized net zero policies.
How it unfolded
- recentlyRichard Tice told a press conference: 'When it's a bit warm, let's enjoy it' and joked about English wine improving, as part of an attack on net zero policies.
- Mon, Aug 17, 2026Greenpeace UK's programme director Amy Cameron condemned Tice's comments, saying they were 'completely out of touch' and that politicians should protect communities, not belittle their 'summer from hell'.
- Wed, Aug 19, 2026Labour party chair Bridget Phillipson called on Tice to apologize to firefighters, and Labour released an attack ad juxtaposing his words with footage of homes destroyed in the Stourbridge wildfire.
Who’s saying what
- Labour
- Bridget Phillipson said Tice owes an apology to firefighters battling extreme conditions and that it's not funny to crack jokes about sparkling wine while they risk their lives.
- Greenpeace
- Amy Cameron said Tice's comments are 'completely out of touch' and that the only way to stop extreme weather is cutting emissions from fossil fuels.
- Reform UK
- Reform did not respond to a request for comment, but Tice's remarks were part of a broader attack on net zero policies, suggesting a focus on economic benefits like better English wine.