As London swelters under temperatures pushing 35°C and an extreme heat warning covers southern England and Wales, politicians are facing calls to take immediate action. Liberal Democrats have urged the government to open air-conditioned public buildings—termed 'cool hubs'—to vulnerable people at highest risk from the heat.
PMQs Highlights Climate Divide
At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, the heatwave prompted two exchanges on climate change. Sir Keir Starmer lamented the loss of a consensus that 'climate change was the generational challenge' and that the 'UK should be a global leader on it.' Responding to a Labour MP whose home was damaged by a falling tree, Starmer said the government is 'making our country more resilient for the future by modernising building regulations.'
Speaker Lindsay Hoyle also allowed male journalists in the House of Commons Press Gallery to remove suit jackets—a rare concession to the heat.
Lib Dems Demand Cool Hubs
The Liberal Democrats have called for immediate investment in cooling infrastructure. A party spokesperson said: 'We need cool hubs open now for the most vulnerable, and long-term funding for hospitals, care homes, and schools to ensure they can be adequately cooled.'
Greta Thunberg told Metro that these high temperatures are 'only the beginning,' warning that extreme weather will become more frequent without decisive action.
Energy Secretary Torn Over Jackdaw
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, a key environmental advocate within Starmer's government, faces a dilemma over the controversial Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea. According to a report in the i paper, Miliband may approve drilling to signal pro-business credentials, potentially boosting his chances of becoming Chancellor when Andy Burnham becomes PM. However, such a move would invite criticism from climate campaigners concerned about rising emissions.
Parties Diverge on Net Zero
Labour's seriousness on climate contrasts with the Conservatives and Reform UK, both vowing to abandon net zero targets, arguing they hinder economic growth and raise bills. The heatwave serves as a stark reminder of the real-world impact of these policy choices.
