London deactivates severe weather emergency plan while cold warnings remain

City Hall deactivated the pan‑London Severe Weather Emergency Protocol because temperatures were above 0°C, while outreach groups said the decision is life‑threatening as snow and icy conditions were reported.

London's pan‑city Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) was deactivated after officials said temperatures were above the 0°C activation threshold. The move came as the city experienced snow and icy conditions during an arctic cold spell that forecasters say will persist into the first week of January. City Hall said support for people sleeping rough continues year‑round and that boroughs are responsible for local assessments and emergency provision. Key points: - The Mayor's office said the pan‑London SWEP is activated when temperatures are 0°C or below and was deactivated when readings stayed above that level. - Outreach group Streets Kitchen described the decision as life‑threatening and called for a statutory duty to ensure shelter in extreme weather. - The UK Health Security Agency issued amber cold health alerts for England as snow, ice and strong northerly winds affected the country. - The Met Office warned the cold spell and wintry hazards, including frost and snow, were expected to continue through at least the first week of January. Summary: Officials announced the SWEP deactivation on the basis of the 0°C activation rule while City Hall said boroughs and charities continue to provide support. Charities and outreach groups said the decision poses risks for people sleeping rough and urged legal change; City Hall said monitoring will continue and encouraged local assessments. Undetermined at this time.