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PM pledge on cold snap gas supply PM pledge on cold snap gas supply
(10 minutes later)
Gordon Brown has pledged the UK's gas supplies will not run out during the current cold snap, and that road salt will get to "where it is most needed".Gordon Brown has pledged the UK's gas supplies will not run out during the current cold snap, and that road salt will get to "where it is most needed".
The AA says some roads may not be safe, as councils battle to keep major routes clear amid salt rationing.The AA says some roads may not be safe, as councils battle to keep major routes clear amid salt rationing.
In a podcast, the PM acknowledged the "worrying and frustrating" situation but said agencies were working together to keep the public "safe and warm".In a podcast, the PM acknowledged the "worrying and frustrating" situation but said agencies were working together to keep the public "safe and warm".
Police confirmed two more weather-related deaths, taking the total to 26.Police confirmed two more weather-related deaths, taking the total to 26.
The cold weather is set to continue for the next few days at least, with more snow forecast overnight in some parts of the UK.The cold weather is set to continue for the next few days at least, with more snow forecast overnight in some parts of the UK.
Almost 100 firms were forced to stop using gas this week as demand soared.Almost 100 firms were forced to stop using gas this week as demand soared.
National Grid also issued two alerts - subsequently lifted - to warn of a potential shortfall in supplies.National Grid also issued two alerts - subsequently lifted - to warn of a potential shortfall in supplies.
However, Mr Brown said the distributor had confirmed it expected to meet demand.However, Mr Brown said the distributor had confirmed it expected to meet demand.
FROZEN BRITAIN See an enlarged version Special report: Frozen Britain Sport ravaged by weatherFROZEN BRITAIN See an enlarged version Special report: Frozen Britain Sport ravaged by weather
"Supplies are not running out," he said."Supplies are not running out," he said.
"We've got plenty of gas.. in our own back yard - the North Sea - and we also have access to the large reserves in Norway and Netherlands via pipelines.""We've got plenty of gas.. in our own back yard - the North Sea - and we also have access to the large reserves in Norway and Netherlands via pipelines."
Charities have called for cold weather fuel payments to pensioners to be increased to prevent the death rate soaring.Charities have called for cold weather fuel payments to pensioners to be increased to prevent the death rate soaring.
On Saturday, police confirmed a 90-year-old woman had frozen to death in her garden near Barnsley and that a woman, 42, died after being found near shops in Newcastle.On Saturday, police confirmed a 90-year-old woman had frozen to death in her garden near Barnsley and that a woman, 42, died after being found near shops in Newcastle.
At least 26 people are thought to have died as a result of weather-related incidents during the cold snap. Police are also searching for missing mountain-walker Steven Bailey, 51, from Ambleside, Cumbira. He was last seen on Tuesday in Windermere in the Lake District.
Kent Police have said the army is on stand-by should the weather get worse but advised people to stay at home unless it was necessary
BBC forecasters say freezing conditions will continue until at least Wednesday, and probably longer.BBC forecasters say freezing conditions will continue until at least Wednesday, and probably longer.
The forecast has led to fears there will not be enough salt to grit the roads, with local authorities agreeing to cut its use by 25% in a bid to preserve dwindling supplies.The forecast has led to fears there will not be enough salt to grit the roads, with local authorities agreeing to cut its use by 25% in a bid to preserve dwindling supplies.
But Mr Brown said: "We are also making sure stocks of salt to grit roads and pavements get to where they're most needed."But Mr Brown said: "We are also making sure stocks of salt to grit roads and pavements get to where they're most needed."
He said many minor roads were "pretty treacherous" and travellers faced delays at airports and railway stations.He said many minor roads were "pretty treacherous" and travellers faced delays at airports and railway stations.
The prime minister also acknowledged businesses were suffering but added the government was "working closely" with the emergency services, and other relevant agencies to keep Britons "safe and warm".The prime minister also acknowledged businesses were suffering but added the government was "working closely" with the emergency services, and other relevant agencies to keep Britons "safe and warm".
WEATHER AND TRAVEL INFO Get the latest on school closures and travel problems via your BBC Local websiteCheck if snow is forecast in your area at BBC Weather Details of motorway and local road closures and public transport disruption are available at BBC Travel News For advice on handling difficult driving conditions, see the Highways Agency websiteFor information about severe weather warnings, see the Met Office websiteFor information about staying healthy in the current cold snap, see the NHS Winter Health websiteWEATHER AND TRAVEL INFO Get the latest on school closures and travel problems via your BBC Local websiteCheck if snow is forecast in your area at BBC Weather Details of motorway and local road closures and public transport disruption are available at BBC Travel News For advice on handling difficult driving conditions, see the Highways Agency websiteFor information about severe weather warnings, see the Met Office websiteFor information about staying healthy in the current cold snap, see the NHS Winter Health website
Mr Brown was speaking as the Highways Agency stopped treating motorway hard shoulders in England. Salt ordered from abroad is not due to arrive until 21 January.Mr Brown was speaking as the Highways Agency stopped treating motorway hard shoulders in England. Salt ordered from abroad is not due to arrive until 21 January.
But the agency's David Grunwell said the motorway and trunk road network was "running remarkably well" and that it had sufficient stocks for the conditions.But the agency's David Grunwell said the motorway and trunk road network was "running remarkably well" and that it had sufficient stocks for the conditions.
However, Conservatives say the decision to ration salt was "an admission of utter failure" and plans should have been made earlier.However, Conservatives say the decision to ration salt was "an admission of utter failure" and plans should have been made earlier.
Shadow communities and local government secretary, Caroline Spelman, said the government had been "distracted" by its internal political problems and that it had "taken its eye off the ball," she said.Shadow communities and local government secretary, Caroline Spelman, said the government had been "distracted" by its internal political problems and that it had "taken its eye off the ball," she said.
AA president Edmund King said he had raised concerns about salt supplies with the Local Government Association (LGA) before Christmas.AA president Edmund King said he had raised concerns about salt supplies with the Local Government Association (LGA) before Christmas.
The LGA stressed motorists were still be able to travel on major roads.The LGA stressed motorists were still be able to travel on major roads.
Scouts brave the big freeze Scouts talk about braving the sub-zero temperatures
York council has begun mixing sand into its road salt to make supplies go further, although the move renders the grit less effective.York council has begun mixing sand into its road salt to make supplies go further, although the move renders the grit less effective.
In south Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf council is treating 40% fewer roads and closing mountain routes. Caerphilly, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan councils will run out of salt by Monday if weekend deliveries do not arrive.In south Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf council is treating 40% fewer roads and closing mountain routes. Caerphilly, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan councils will run out of salt by Monday if weekend deliveries do not arrive.
Chemical firm Ineos said it had diverted 12,000 tonnes of white salt earmarked for food and chlorine production in Germany for use on Britain's roads after it was approached by several councils.Chemical firm Ineos said it had diverted 12,000 tonnes of white salt earmarked for food and chlorine production in Germany for use on Britain's roads after it was approached by several councils.
The amount represents about one fifth of the UK's daily use, before rationing was introduced.The amount represents about one fifth of the UK's daily use, before rationing was introduced.
Roads closed after crashes on Saturday included the eastbound A66 in Cumbria and A174 near Redcar, Cleveland.Roads closed after crashes on Saturday included the eastbound A66 in Cumbria and A174 near Redcar, Cleveland.
Several lane closures were in place on motorways. Elsewhere:Several lane closures were in place on motorways. Elsewhere:
  • British Airways cancelled 54 Saturday flights at Heathrow, warning customers to check its website for disruption and not travel to the airport if flights are cancelled
  • Eurostar ran about two-thirds of its normal Saturday service from London and plans a restricted service on Sunday
  • The Association of Train Operating Companies said 77% of trains were running by Saturday afternoon and a "full service" is planned for Monday. East Coast is running replacement buses between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central, Inverness and Perth, and Dundee and Aberdeen
  • There has been major disruption to sporting fixtures, with all but two of the weekend's Premier League games called off, a number of race meetings cancelled, and several rugby union matches postponed.
  • British Airways cancelled 54 Saturday flights at Heathrow, warning customers to check its website for disruption and not travel to the airport if flights are cancelled
  • Eurostar ran about two-thirds of its normal Saturday service from London and plans a restricted service on Sunday
  • The Association of Train Operating Companies said 77% of trains were running by Saturday afternoon and a "full service" is planned for Monday. East Coast is running replacement buses between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central, Inverness and Perth, and Dundee and Aberdeen
  • There has been major disruption to sporting fixtures, with all but two of the weekend's Premier League games called off, a number of race meetings cancelled, and several rugby union matches postponed.
Around the country, about 400 houses around Mortehoe, North Devon, were without gas for 24 hours after water got into the main supply pipe.Around the country, about 400 houses around Mortehoe, North Devon, were without gas for 24 hours after water got into the main supply pipe.
And 50 homes near Luton, Beds, were still without electricity after power cuts affected 500 customers overnight.And 50 homes near Luton, Beds, were still without electricity after power cuts affected 500 customers overnight.
Retail research group Synovate said the weather was affecting business, with 28% fewer people entering non-food stores between 6 and 8 January than last year.Retail research group Synovate said the weather was affecting business, with 28% fewer people entering non-food stores between 6 and 8 January than last year.
But others were determined the weather would not disrupt their plans. About 2,500 scouts are braving sub-zero temperatures at a two-day camp in Chingford, Essex.But others were determined the weather would not disrupt their plans. About 2,500 scouts are braving sub-zero temperatures at a two-day camp in Chingford, Essex.
The snow continued to fall, with parts of eastern England seeing between 2cm and 5cm (0.8in-2in) of snow on Saturday.The snow continued to fall, with parts of eastern England seeing between 2cm and 5cm (0.8in-2in) of snow on Saturday.
BBC weather forecaster Alex Deakin said up to 10cm (4in) could fall in the South East on Saturday night, in particular south and east of London.BBC weather forecaster Alex Deakin said up to 10cm (4in) could fall in the South East on Saturday night, in particular south and east of London.
Snow showers will move across England and Wales on Sunday, with falls of 2cm-5cm or 10cm on high ground, he added. Temperatures on Sunday should be around freezing.Snow showers will move across England and Wales on Sunday, with falls of 2cm-5cm or 10cm on high ground, he added. Temperatures on Sunday should be around freezing.
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Map Key

  • Land
  • Cloud
  • Lakes, Rivers & Sea

Fog

Light Heavy

Frost

Light Heavy

Pressure Fronts

Cold Warm Occluded

Rain

Light Heavy Extreme

Snow

Light Heavy

Map Key

  • Land
  • Cloud
  • Lakes, Rivers & Sea

Fog

Light Heavy

Frost

Light Heavy

Pressure Fronts

Cold Warm Occluded

Rain

Light Heavy Extreme

Snow

Light Heavy
Temperature tab onlyTemperature tab only

Temperature (°C)

More details from BBC Weather

Temperature (°C)

More details from BBC Weather
How is the winter freeze affecting you? Is the weather spoiling your sporting plans this weekend? Are you due to watch or play in a local league game?How is the winter freeze affecting you? Is the weather spoiling your sporting plans this weekend? Are you due to watch or play in a local league game?
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