Labour Demands Apology from Reform UK's Tice Over 'Enjoy the Heat' Remark

Labour has called on Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, to apologize for telling people to "enjoy" the extreme heatwave. Labour chair Bridget Phillipson stated that Tice owes an apology to firefighters who have been battling wildfires across the country.

Phillipson criticized Tice's remarks, made at a press conference, where he suggested the heat could benefit English wine production and help the UK compete with France. "I think he owes an apology to the firefighters who were battling in extreme conditions, putting themselves and their lives at risk in order to protect people’s homes," Phillipson said.

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I think he owes an apology to the firefighters who were battling in extreme conditions, putting themselves and their lives at risk in order to protect people’s homes.

Labour aims to capitalize on Tice's comments, releasing a video juxtaposing his words with footage of homes destroyed by wildfires. The party seeks to highlight voter alienation with Reform's strong opposition to net zero policies, even as the government faces pressure on the issue. Tice's comments were part of a broader critique of net zero policies, a topic also being debated within the Conservative party.

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When it’s a bit warm, let’s enjoy it. And if it means that English wine and sparkling wine gets better and better, fantastic. That means we can take on the French – fantastic. Let’s celebrate some of these things rather than just be sort of doom and gloom about it.