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Extreme Heat: Preparedness

14 July 2026

Lead MP

Adrian Ramsay

Responding Minister

Angela Eagle

Tags

NHSEconomyClimate
Word Count: 13292
Other Contributors: 18

At a Glance

Adrian Ramsay raised concerns about extreme heat: preparedness in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The lead MP calls on the Government to implement a cross-Government response to address extreme heat, including measures such as retrofitting buildings for better climate resilience, expanding reservoir capacity, and improving water efficiency. He also urges for stronger workplace protections and the need to support farmers through resilient farming systems.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
Britain has experienced a succession of heatwaves that have exposed vulnerabilities in public services, including hospitals declaring critical incidents and ambulance services facing record demand. Over the past decade, four major summer heat events occurred in England, with projections indicating that heat-related deaths could more than triple by the 2050s. Extreme heat also affects food security, with farmers experiencing reduced crop yields due to higher temperatures and drier soils, leading to significant economic losses for arable farmers. Additionally, wildfires are becoming a growing threat, posing risks to homes, businesses, infrastructure, and rural communities.

Government Response

Angela Eagle
Government Response
The Minister highlighted the progress made since the Paris agreement, bringing down projected warming from 4% to 2.5%, although this is still too high. She stressed the interconnected nature of climate issues and the need for action at local, national, and international levels. She mentioned that without intervention, climate change could cost England's economy between 1.1% and 3.3% of GDP by 2050 and up to 7.4% by the end of the century. The Government aims to reduce emissions by at least 81% by 1935 and is taking steps to strengthen long-term climate adaptation, including setting stronger objectives based on common planning assumptions informed by the Climate Change Committee. She mentioned that public authorities must plan for a minimum temperature increase of 2%, although this should be avoided if possible.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.