Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume establishing All-Party Parliamentary Group on Wildfire Prevention

The new APPG will bring together MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum to examine wildfire prevention, preparedness and recovery.

The timing is particularly relevant after a fire broke out in Wykeham Forest on Wednesday, July 8 following a period of very warm, dry weather, with fire crews asking people to avoid the area.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue also responded to reports of people having a campfire among dry vegetation in Forge Valley the same evening.

The Scarborough crew put out the fire which was contained in a metal bucket and spoke to the people involved.

APPGs play an important role in Parliament by providing a forum for politicians from different parties and Houses to work together on specific issues, inform future policy and engage with key stakeholders and experts.

Announcing the new group, Ms Hume said: “Last summer's wildfire showed just how devastating these incidents can be, not only for our environment but for the people and communities left to deal with the consequences long after the flames have been extinguished.

“My colleagues and I want this APPG to become a strong voice for wildfire prevention and resilience, while also making the case for better support for those still living with the consequences of these disasters.”

The move follows the most significant wildfire ever experienced on the North York Moors, which at its height was declared a major national incident, burned across up to 25 square kilometres of moorland and threatened RAF Fylingdales – a critical piece of national and international security infrastructure.

While welcoming the Labour Government’s recent commitment of £3.2m towards restoration work and the introduction of specialist national wildfire support, Ms Hume insisted more must be done to recognise the long-term impact such disasters have on those affected and as part of campaigning on the issue helped accelerate repairs to critical fencing in the area.

Since the wildfire, Ms Hume has met regularly with farmers, gamekeepers and other members of the community who put themselves in harm's way to help fire crews protect lives, homes, businesses and the countryside.

She has also visited members of the North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service involved in the operation, hearing first-hand about the scale of the challenge they faced.

Ms Hume added: “All-Party Parliamentary Groups are uniquely placed to bring together politicians, experts, charities, emergency services and communities to drive meaningful change.

“The fact that this fire threatened RAF Fylingdales underlines the seriousness of what happened.

“As climate pressures increase and wildfires become more frequent, we need a coordinated national approach that focuses not only on prevention and response, but also on recovery and support for affected communities.”