Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to introduce a temporary ban on disposable barbecues in England and Wales, as MPs from the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party join farmers, landowners, and firefighters in demanding action to prevent wildfires. The calls come as nearly half of England is officially in drought, with dry conditions expected to persist into the autumn.
Political Support for the Ban
Liberal Democrat MPs and a number of Labour backbenchers have added their voices to the growing chorus urging the Prime Minister to act swiftly. They argue that a temporary prohibition on disposable barbecues is a necessary measure to protect the countryside during an exceptionally dry spell.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has been particularly vocal, with Deputy President Paul Tompkins warning of the devastating impact a single spark could have on agricultural land. Tompkins, a dairy farmer from the Vale of York, stressed the fragility of farm businesses already under significant pressure.
Farmers and Landowners Speak Out
“A stray match or single spark, and months of hard work can be wiped out in just minutes; crops destroyed and harvest ruined, vital machinery and infrastructure damaged and livestock put at serious risk,” Tompkins said. “Beyond the immediate losses, there could be long-term consequences for soil health, grassland productivity and confidence of farm businesses already facing significant pressures.”
Tompkins called on retailers to remove disposable barbecues from sale and urged local authorities to issue public space protection orders prohibiting the lighting of barbecues, campfires, and camping stoves in high-risk areas.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), which represents landowners, has also thrown its weight behind the ban. CLA president Gavin Lane highlighted the role of controlled burning as a preventive measure, urging Natural England to lift its current restrictions.
“Controlled burning is one of several proven ways to reduce the danger. Done properly, it clears the vegetation that feeds a wildfire and slows its spread. Natural England must lift the ban on controlled burning and look seriously at how it could prevent further loss,” Lane said.
Drought Conditions Worsen
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the latest drought data. Approximately 45% of England is currently experiencing drought conditions, affecting regions including East Anglia, Hertfordshire, London, the Thames Valley, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Devon, Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex.
Met Office chief meteorologist Will Lang warned that significant rainfall is unlikely in the near term. “While there is always the potential for periods of rain during the remainder of the summer, current forecasts do not favour the widespread, sustained rainfall that would be needed to make a significant difference to rainfall deficits that have built up over recent months,” Lang said.
He added that drier-than-average conditions are expected to continue through August, particularly in southern and eastern areas, with meaningful recovery likely only in the autumn when weather patterns typically become more changeable.
Impact on Communities and Emergency Services
Firefighters have reported an increase in wildfires across the country, with crews stretched thin as they battle blazes on grasslands and heathlands. The ban on disposable barbecues is seen as a practical step to reduce the risk of accidental fires, which can spread rapidly in dry vegetation.
Local authorities are being urged to act pre-emptively by designating public spaces where barbecues are prohibited. Retailers, meanwhile, face growing pressure to voluntarily pull disposable barbecues from shelves, as some major chains have already done during previous heatwaves.
The NFU and CLA both emphasize that the ban should be temporary, lasting only as long as the drought conditions persist. They argue that such a measure would send a clear message about the seriousness of the situation while allowing for a return to normal once the risk subsides.
Next Steps
With MPs from multiple parties backing the call, the Prime Minister's office is expected to consider the proposal in the coming days. Any decision will likely involve consultation with environmental agencies, emergency services, and retail representatives.
In the meantime, the public is advised to exercise extreme caution when using any form of open flame in outdoor settings, and to follow local guidance on barbecue use and fire safety.
