Burnham announces £65m for drought-hit farmers after Labour pressure

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>PM steps up climate response with measures including better water access and support for building farm reservoirs</p><p>Farmers must not carry the risks of the climate crisis alone, Andy Burnham has said, as he announced £65m of funding to help them manage the devastating drought.</p><p>The prime minister is stepping up his response to the immediate climate crisis after facing a backlash from his own MPs and Labour’s grassroots <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/14/green-groups-urge-andy-burnham-to-break-silence-on-climate-crisis">for not addressing the climate crisis</a> despite wildfires tearing through Britain and a drought affecting food producers. Labour MPs argued Burnham had taken too long to talk about the climate crisis and had not made it a priority.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/14/andy-burnham-climate-response-drought-hit-farmers-labour-pressure">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.