Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Climate Change: Weather Events 2026-07-07

Tuesday 7 July 2026 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The heatwave in June 2026 set a new UK temperature record at 37.7C, 2 higher than any previous record.
  • The UK Health Security Agency estimated there were 1,504 heat-associated deaths in England during the previous summer.
  • The Government plans to extend support under the boiler upgrade scheme to include air-to-air heat pumps, offering grants of 2,500 for installation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Adam Thompson Lab
Climate
Context

Recent weather events have highlighted the urgent need for action on climate change. The UK experienced record-breaking heatwaves in June.

Question

What steps he plans to take following recent weather events to help tackle climate change?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The heatwave last month saw the maximum all-time June temperature record in the UK set at 37.7°C, 2° higher than at any time since records began. Without human-induced climate change, this European heatwave would have been virtually impossible. The Government will continue to follow the science and protect current and future generations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps being planned

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Q2 Paul Waugh Labour (Co-op)
Climate
Context

Documentary 'National Emergency Briefing' highlighted extreme weather worsening without action. The UK Health Security Agency estimated heat-associated deaths.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that this Labour Government have a strong record in just two years of gripping this emergency, but there is much more we can do to prevent the damage caused by climate change?

Answer from Ed Miliband

My hon. Friend articulates the position incredibly well. This is an emergency, as I said. We have seen in the last few weeks how it affects our transport system, education, and health. The UK Health Security Agency estimated there were 1,504 heat-associated deaths in England last summer, 1,311 in 2024, 2,295 in 2023, and 2,985 in 2022.

Answered
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Q3 Adam Thompson Lab
Energy Environment
Context

Discussion on decarbonising heating and the need for energy-efficient cooling technologies due to extreme heatwaves.

Question

What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that the growing demand for air conditioning is met through energy-efficient technologies and clean electricity?

Answer from Ed Miliband

We announced extending support under the boiler upgrade scheme to include air-to-air heat pumps, which offer both heating and cooling. Grants of £2,500 are available for installation, and these systems also benefit from VAT relief at 0%.

Answered
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Q4 Christopher Chope Con Christchurch
Climate
Context

The Climate Change Committee criticized the Government for failing to adapt to a future with temperatures up to 3.5°-4.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Question

What are the Government doing to adapt, rather than trying to prevent this from happening?

Answer from Ed Miliband

This is a very important point. We have to do more on adaptation but cannot give up on tackling the climate crisis due to enormous costs of inaction.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps for adaptation

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Q5 Adrian Ramsay Green
Climate
Context

The Climate Change Committee's report, “A Well-Adapted UK”, said that costs of putting in place adaptations are less than the costs of not doing so.

Question

Will he be adopting the Climate Change Committee's 'A Well-Adapted UK' recommendations and investment plans in full?

Answer from Ed Miliband

The hon. Gentleman makes a really important point, and I do agree with it. The May 2026 report of the Climate Change Committee is an incredibly important landmark report. Adaptation needs more priority as highlighted by the committee.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm full adoption

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Q6 Pippa Heylings Lib Dem
Climate
Context

Communities are holding emergency briefings to raise awareness of the climate emergency and strengthen food security, nature, health, energy and national security.

Question

Does the Secretary of State support televising a national emergency briefing?

Answer from Ed Miliband

I support all efforts to make people aware of this emergency. Indeed, the state of climate and nature annual statement will be happening again in the next couple of weeks to draw people's attention to this issue.

Answered
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