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Snow and ice warnings cover Scotland and much of north and south-west England, as well as parts of Wales and Northern Ireland, as the cold spell threatens a winter energy crisis.
Ministers said on Thursday that millions of households cannot afford to heat their homes, with research suggesting they are seeking advice on how to protect vulnerable people from the cold.
Schools in Scotland were closed or delayed opening their doors as the first snow of winter fell. After the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a Level 3 cold weather alert covering England from Wednesday evening to Monday, forecasters issued yellow warnings that extended into the weekend.
In the Commons on Thursday, the Cabinet Office minister, Oliver Dowden, was asked to set out how he planned to help the most vulnerable.
Afzal Khan, who is shadow justice minister but was speaking from the backbench, said: “The UK’s power supply is already stretched to breaking point, with the National Grid telling us that a blackout is now a very real possibility.
“Can the Minister urgently explain to my vulnerable constituents what they should do to stay safe and warm in the event of a power blackout during freezing temperatures?”
Dowden said: “In terms of the winter weather, the Cabinet Office is keeping a close eye on that, and indeed I have been briefed on the situation. On the wider situation in relation to energy supply, I have been working with my colleague [the business secretary Grant Shapps].
“He and I have strong confidence in the resilience of the UK power network. And barring very exceptional circumstances, we are confident that we will continue to have supplies throughout the winter.
Earlier on Thursday, research from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation suggested many households would struggle to pay for warm clothing, heating and food, while more than 700,000 people could not afford essentials and were already in arrears.
The UK is facing further colder temperatures, as forecasters predict “rain will become more wintry with an increasing risk of snow as the week progresses, particularly in coastal areas or on higher ground”. The Met Office said: “Widespread snow showers will occur by the end of the week with overnight temperatures as low as -10C in isolated places.” It warned of snow in coastal and northern England, with snow and ice expected in northern Scotland.
Motorists were warned of treacherous conditions on roads and railways are also likely to be affected with longer journey times, forecasters said.
The Met Office said the icy conditions could lead to some slips and falls and there could be icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths. The RAC urged people to keep blankets in their vehicles in case they break down in icy conditions.
Charity Age UK advised people to maintain supplies of food and medicine to reduce the number of outdoor trips, and torches with spare batteries in case of power cuts.
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