![\"LONDON,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SEI_279837346-6b39.jpg\")
\n\t\tThose living on the streets in the UK\u2019s capital will not automatically be found shelter tonight because temperatures will be above 0\u00b0C (Picture: Anadolu)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tThose living on the streets in the UK\u2019s capital will not automatically be found shelter tonight because temperatures will be above 0\u00b0C (Picture: Anadolu)<\/p>\n
London<\/a> councils are deactivating their protocols to house rough sleepers on the day where a -9\u00b0C arctic blast hit the UK. <\/p>\n Those living on the streets in the UK\u2019s capital will not automatically be found shelter tonight because temperatures will be above 0\u00b0C.<\/p>\n This is because the Mayor of London sent out a notice saying Severe Weather<\/a> Emergency Protocol (SWEP) will be deactivated. <\/p>\n But the move has been branded as \u2018life-threatening\u2019 for those with nowhere warm to sleep, after the city has seen snowfall and icy conditions today. <\/p>\n Streets Kitchen, which does cold outreach, told Metro: \u2018As snow falls in London, the decision to deactivate the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is not just disappointing\u2014it is life-threatening.<\/p>\n \u2018For too long, the safety of our city\u2019s most vulnerable has relied on a \u2018humanitarian duty\u2019 rather than a legal mandate.<\/p>\n \t\t \t\t \u2018This creates a postcode lottery where basic survival depends on which borough you happen to be in.<\/p>\n \u2018Cold weather is a silent killer for those sleeping rough, exacerbating pre-existing trauma and chronic health<\/a> conditions.\u2019<\/p>\n It comes as weather warnings for snow and ice cover the country, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber cold health alerts for England.<\/p>\n But with SWEP deactivated there is no obligation to shelter those sleeping outside. <\/p>\n Streets Kitchen said: \u2018We are calling on local and national leaders to bridge this gap: We must move beyond discretionary aid and establish a statutory legal obligation to ensure that no one is forced to endure extreme weather on our streets.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tLatest London news\t\t\t<\/p>\n To get the latest news from the capital visit Metro’s London news hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u2018Humanitarianism is the starting point, but only legislation will guarantee safety for all.\u2019<\/p>\n A\u00a0spokesperson for the Mayor of London said:\u00a0\u2018City Hall\u2019s work to support those sleeping rough continues throughout the year whether or not SWEP is activated, alongside the work of charities<\/a> and councils.<\/p>\n \u2018The pan-London SWEP is activated when temperatures are 0 degrees or below.<\/p>\n \u2018Local authorities are responsible for SWEP in their communities and we encourage boroughs to make their own assessment of local need, with many providing emergency care for rough sleepers outside the London-wide coordinated SWEP.<\/p>\n \u2018City Hall\u2019s Rough Sleeping team are continuing to monitor temperatures closely this week and working around the clock with community and voluntary organisations across London to support people experiencing rough sleeping and those at risk of doing so.\u2019<\/p>\n Why is it getting so cold?<\/p>\n Met Office<\/a> Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: \u2018It certainly looks like we are in for a taste of \u201cwinter\u201d as we welcome in the New Year, initially in the north, but more widely across the UK for the first week of 2026.<\/p>\n \u2018Arctic<\/a> air and strong northerly winds will bring cold or very cold conditions to all parts of the UK, and it will feel especially cold in the strong winds.<\/p>\n \u2018Widespread and locally severe frosts are expected, along with the first snow of the winter for many.<\/p>\n \u2018These colder conditions and wintry hazards \u2013 snow, ice\u00a0and strong winds \u2013 will develop more widely as we enter the New Year, with more warnings for snow and ice likely.<\/p>\n \u2018It looks like this cold spell will last through at least the first week of January, so it\u2019s important people keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings.\u2019<\/p>\n Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more stories like this, check our news page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"Homeless](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SEI_279837826-6d46.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe Mayor of London sent out a notice saying Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) will be deactivated<\/p>\n![\"Homeless](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SEI_279837821-06e0-e1767714311479.jpg\")
\n\t\tStreets Kitchen carrying out cold-weather outreach (Picture: Streets Kitchen)<\/p>\n
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