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Question
The MP questioned the seriousness of the Government's response to the heatwave emergency, asking about practical support for NHS, care homes, schools and financial resources provided. She inquired about Cobra meetings attended by the Prime Minister, implementation of adaptation recommendations from the Committee on Climate Change, maximum workplace temperature limits for legal protection against high temperatures, and opposition to new oil and gas licences in the North Sea.
Minister reply
The minister emphasised ensuring smooth operation through the next 36 hours, noting strong local resilience forum coordination. He stated that all guidance and support is being disseminated effectively across schools, hospitals, police forces, and other relevant bodies, with robust cooperation from devolved Administrations. The minister acknowledged the global nature of the heatwave affecting Europe and emphasised UK leadership on climate change discussions internationally post-COP26. He highlighted efforts to transition towards a cleaner energy future through initiatives like the Energy Transition Council while balancing the need for reliable domestic energy supply.
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Question
May I put to my right hon. Friend that if staff do not have summer gear, they should be allowed to wear their own safe and appropriate summer gear in times of extreme heat?
Minister reply
The minister agreed on the importance of emergency services being equipped properly for hot weather conditions and emphasised the need for practical lessons to be learned during this period.
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Question
Where is the plan for delivering essential services safely in extreme heat? Where are the guidelines for employers regarding indoor working temperatures?
Minister reply
The minister stated that significant plans and guidance exist to deal with extreme weather events, including obligations on employers to maintain reasonable workplace temperatures. He also highlighted the availability of HSE guidance for employers.
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Question
Why is the Government creating unnecessary anxiety? Why not promote buildings with natural ventilation?
Minister reply
The minister agreed that adapting to climate change includes both protecting from heat and coping with cold. He mentioned the importance of communication regarding vulnerable groups during extreme weather events.
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Question
How is the Government ensuring continuous monitoring of the heatwave? Why has the Prime Minister not attended Cobra meetings?
Minister reply
The minister discussed the different circumstances faced in Scotland, emphasising open communication and safety considerations. He also noted that First Ministers from other parts of the UK have similarly not attended recent Cobra meetings.
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Question
Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is vital for water companies to learn lessons about open communication and contingency planning during extreme weather events?
Minister reply
The minister agreed on the importance of clear communication from water companies and highlighted ongoing efforts by DEFRA colleagues to maintain water supply.
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Question
Does the Minister recognise how devastating it is for communities when extreme weather events are not prepared for adequately?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged historical impacts of high temperatures and emphasised the short-term nature of this particular heatwave. He also encouraged public engagement to check on vulnerable individuals during hot periods.
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Question
I congratulate the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) on securing this urgent question and commend to the Minister the report on heatwaves that the Environmental Audit Committee did four years ago, suggesting the Government revisits elements of our recommendations.
Minister reply
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his constructive contribution and will certainly take a look at the document. The Cabinet Office does not lead on this issue but may need to revisit lessons from past events.
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Question
Will the Government review COP26 commitments and infrastructure needs to prepare for frequent extreme weather conditions?
Minister reply
The UK fought hard at COP26 to keep 1.5°C alive, virtually phasing out coal use in power generation. We are committed to net zero by 2050.
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Question
Will the Minister join me in warning against illegal activities on moorlands that could cause devastating fires?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an important point, and I am happy to reinforce his message about preventing wildfires.
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Question
Will the Government legislate for maximum working temperatures as extreme heat becomes more regular?
Minister reply
Employers already have an obligation to maintain a reasonable temperature at work, which can vary based on circumstances.
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Question
Will the Minister praise the Met Office for its ability to predict the heatwave accurately?
Minister reply
I am more than happy to join my hon. Friend in praising the accuracy and professionalism of the Met Office.
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Question
Will the Government set an end date for all UK oil and gas exploration between now and 2050?
Minister reply
The Conservative party has been committed to fighting climate change for over a decade.
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Question
Does the Government accept there are too many climate deniers and carbon budgets being missed?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman supported a previous leader who pledged to reopen coal mines.
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Question
Does the Chancellor agree that some have shown hysteria about a few warm days?
Minister reply
The vast majority of people will manage, but vulnerable groups need extra support; personal responsibility is key.
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Question
Does the Chancellor plan to advance the agenda on green infrastructure standards for urban heat islands?
Minister reply
Green infrastructure makes a huge difference, and planting new trees is part of our future agenda.
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Question
Why has the gap between climate risk and adaptation action widened according to the Adaptation Committee?
Minister reply
This issue requires coordination across departments, but adapting infrastructure is challenging in extreme conditions.
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Question
The extreme heat is causing travel chaos with flights and trains failing to operate properly. Will the right hon. Gentleman speak to the Secretary of State for Transport about ensuring that airlines and train companies are held accountable?
Minister reply
I am meeting the Secretary of State this afternoon to ensure our plans cover the next few weeks, addressing issues like compensation for constituents.
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Question
The Government seems unprepared and lacks urgency in their response. What long-term plan do they have for vulnerable people during heatwaves?
Minister reply
There has been urgent work with devolved Administrations, a communication plan, and guidance issued. We are focusing on adapting individual behavior while standing up public services.
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Question
Homeless people face severe challenges during extreme weather due to lack of access to resources like shade or water. Why won't the Government resource local authorities properly?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State is working closely with the Mayor of London, setting up cooling hubs for those on the street.
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Question
Can the Minister discuss how his Department and others are liaising with organisations like the Scottish SPCA regarding animal husbandry during climate emergencies?
Minister reply
Discussions are ongoing, especially around events like the Royal Welsh show. We have issued extensive guidelines for animals in extreme conditions.
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Question
How can the Government respond to a climate emergency that affects everyone, not just vulnerable groups?
Minister reply
We are clear about individual health measures and focus on known vulnerable groups. We need to balance practical actions with medical advice.
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Question
Can we remove VAT on sunscreen to make it more accessible, and ensure emergency service workers receive free sunscreen?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the importance of these points and will review them.
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Jamie Stone
Lib Dem
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Question
With ambulance services under extreme pressure, can someone in Cabinet ensure maximum assistance is provided to ambulance services?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will make a statement on this issue. There are already measures in place including additional personnel and funding.
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Question
What is the infrastructure's designed operating temperature, and when will it be resilient to future heatwaves?
Minister reply
It is a complex issue. We need to learn from current experiences as we have never experienced these temperatures before.
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Question
How can the Government be focused on this crisis when frontline workers are showing up while the Prime Minister is reportedly hidden away?
Minister reply
The question feels like a political attack. The minister chairs COBRA meetings to co-ordinate responses, briefing the Prime Minister as necessary.
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Question
What are the Minister's thoughts on Tory leadership candidates holding back net zero commitments?
Minister reply
While not within his remit, he believes all candidates take climate change seriously and would be happy to serve under any of them.
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Question
With forest fires across Europe and temperatures set to exceed 40°C, what more evidence do we need that the climate emergency is here? Yet the Government are still building new homes prone to overheating and not investing in a proper retrofit strategy. When will this Government take climate change seriously?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady is living in an alternative universe as this Government legislated for net zero and fought tooth and nail at COP26 in Glasgow, where my right hon. Friend the COP26 President worked to keep 1.5° alive. The minister wishes that credit were given for the work done.
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Question
If maximum indoor temperatures are good enough for workers in the United States, Germany and Spain, why not have those protections for British workers?
Minister reply
Employers already have an obligation to maintain temperatures at a reasonable level for the circumstances. This varies from workplace to workplace, as the hon. Gentleman knows as a working man. There is room for improvement in work and employment regulation but the law is specific about where responsibility lies.
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Question
Does the NHS 111 system, effectively used at the height of the covid crisis to liaise with GP surgeries, have capacity to ring vulnerable and elderly people to provide advice during this heatwave?
Minister reply
The hon. Gentleman raises a good point. The Minister has specifically asked all Secretaries of State to identify communication channels targeting most vulnerable groups, including train operating companies and local authorities. It is important to alert the population and ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the necessary advice and support.