Burnham says RAF Chinooks and A400M planes will help fight wildfires after a record-breaking summer of blazes

Some areas had no air support at all while fighting this summer's fires. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said it is the first time the RAF's Chinooks and A400Ms will be kitted out for firefighting. Prime Minister Andy Burnham made the pledge at a wildfire summit in Aintree, Liverpool, on Friday. Ministers also promised £45m for lighter protective kit for firefighters.

England and Wales have had 1,350 wildfires this year, an all-time high.

A £25m scheme will restore dried-out English peatlands as natural firebreaks from April 2027.

Burnham recalled homes lost in Stourbridge and warned 'sadly, there will be a next time.'