London has pushed 35°C, with southern England and Wales under an extreme heat warning. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle allowed male journalists in the Press Gallery to remove suit jackets on Wednesday. The Lib Dems called on the government to open air-conditioned 'cool hubs' immediately for vulnerable people and invest in cooling for hospitals, care homes, and schools.
PMQs Highlights Climate Debate
Greta Thunberg told Metro the high temperatures are 'only the beginning'. At PMQs, 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'. He responded to a Labour MP whose house was hit by a falling tree, saying the government is 'making our country more resilient for the future by modernising building regulations'.
Labour vs Opposition on Net Zero
Labour is taking climate change seriously, contrasting with the Conservatives and Reform UK, who have vowed to abandon net zero commitments, arguing they hinder economic growth and raise bills. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is the top environmental crusader in Starmer's government.
Miliband's Dilemma on Jackdaw Gas Field
However, a report in the i paper suggests Miliband may approve drilling in the controversial North Sea Jackdaw gas field. He is believed to be keen to become Chancellor when Andy Burnham becomes PM, and backing Jackdaw might signal to businesses that green concerns won't block growth. Critics warn it could raise temperatures further due to gas drilled from beneath the British seabed.
Days like these are becoming more frequent, reminding of the impact of such decisions.
