Skip to content

UK heatwave: Schools and transport should stay open 'as far as possible' - UK PM

Boris Johnson has said schools, transport and the NHS should stay open "as far as possible" during the heatwave.

The UK Prime Minister said it was important to think back to the decision to open up the country after coronavirus, and balance the risk with the need to keep society open.

Addressing his last cabinet meeting as leader, Boris Johnson also said it "may be sometimes unfashionable" but being the first major economy to aim for net zero emissions was the "right thing to do".

Live: Battle for second place as Tory race intensifies

19 July 2022

Explore More

Parent Celeste Lewis sitting in a kitchen

Should children have smartphones in school?

Boris Johnson wearing a suit and headphones speaking into a mic in a BBC radio studio

Watch: Fiery exchange as Boris Johnson asked if he is a 'liar'

BBC Journalist Charlie Buckland sitting in an orange chair speaking into the camera

What if you don't get the A-level grades you want?

Harrison Holmes, the radio DJ with cerebral palsy, during his school assembly

Radio DJ with cerebral palsy inspires school pupils

Image of two men. They have their arms around each other and are laughing

Pupils past and present enjoy annual cricket match

Gloucestershire

Pupils celebrate winning award

School delighted to be named in world top 10 list

vaping detector

Watch: School installs vape detectors in bathrooms

Mariano Janin speaking to Laura Kuennsberg

Father calls for bullying law after daughter's death

Darryl George

US teen punished for hairstyle at school speaks out

An anonymous teacher speaks to BBC Scotland News about the violence she faces at work.

'I was left with concussion after pupil violence'

Glyn Potts

Water gushes through ceiling at school stuck in private contract

Family & Education

Liz Lloyd and Nicola Sturgeon

Sturgeon called Johnson a 'clown' in expletive-laden text

Pupils with coats on in a classroom

Watch: Videos show schools in urgent need of repair

Boris Johnson

Partygate reports 'million miles from reality' - Johnson

Boris Johnson

Johnson rejects Covid policy was 'let it rip' across UK

National Covid Memorial

'They partied while we all suffered' - bereaved relatives

Boris Johnson getting into a car with a hat on

Johnson booed as he exits Covid inquiry

Boris Johnson

Barnard Castle, ICU and heckling: Johnson's Covid evidence

Brenda Doherty

Covid apology 'worthless', say bereaved families

Northern Ireland

Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson gets choked up when giving evidence

Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.