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Drought Crisis Spurs Emergency Meeting on 71% England

8/12/2026

44 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham chairs an emergency meeting on August 12 to address heatwave impacts.
The driest July in 190 years leaves about 71% of England in drought, affecting 45 million people.
Planning blocks £45,000 reservoirs, with only 34 built in five years, according to CLA president Gavin Lane.
Water Minister Emma Hardy pledges easier on-site reservoir permits, nine new reservoirs, water-transfer schemes and leak cuts.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham chairs an emergency meeting on August 12 to address heatwave impacts.
The driest July in 190 years leaves about 71% of England in drought, affecting 45 million people.
Planning blocks £45,000 reservoirs, with only 34 built in five years, according to CLA president Gavin Lane.
Water Minister Emma Hardy pledges easier on-site reservoir permits, nine new reservoirs, water-transfer schemes and leak cuts.