Lib Dems to make Britain ‘Climate Ready’ with plan for air con in all new builds

27 Jul 2026

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Today Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, Tim Farron MP, has unveiled a "Climate Ready" package to provide security to all future homes in Britain. The move would shift planning regulations to prepare Britain for the climate shocks ahead, including a requirement for air conditioning in all new-build homes.

This comes amid concerns that the UK is dangerously unprepared for the extreme weather already hitting the country, during one of the hottest summers on record: by 15th July 2026, the UK had already recorded more days above 30°C than the whole of 1976. 2026 was also the first year on record to reach 35°C in May, June and July, while overnight temperatures have been running at record levels for this stage of the summer.

The Liberal Democrat package of measures includes a new legal requirement for all new build homes to be fitted with air conditioning or effective cooling systems, so that housebuilders stop constructing homes that overheat by design. The party say the current approach leaves new residents, including elderly and vulnerable people, dangerously at risk during increasingly frequent heatwaves. Following the Liberal Democrat sunshine bill, fronted by Max Wilkinson MP, all new builds will now come with solar panels - offering a clean source of energy to power new air con units.

The Party is also calling for a continuation of passive cooling measures such as treeplanting in residential areas, but recognises the climate in which the current regulations were put in place no longer mirrors that in which we are living.

New polling, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, has revealed that over one in four (28%) said they purchased a fan or an air conditioning unit during the recent heatwave to help them cope with the sweltering temperatures. 73% also said that they had slept worse as a result of the high temperatures, and 26% felt unwell or faint.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to look seriously at how we are preparing the nation for regular extreme heat events, including investing in air conditioning. They say Miatta Fanhbulleh’s net zero plans must include air con for all such essential settings as a matter of urgency given the danger to life already on show.

Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson, Tim Farron MP, said:

“This latest set of relentless heatwaves has taught us that Britain is woefully unprepared for extreme heat, and families across Britain are paying for the cost of inaction.

“With another heatwave on the horizon, the Government must step in with a new plan that takes the onus off already-struggling Brits and commits developers to build homes fit for the future - insulated properly and equipped with air conditioning.

“This measure is needed to provide the security we need as extreme heat events ramp up year on year.”

Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, Gideon Amos MP, added:

“Air conditioning is becoming essential in UK homes, which are now amongst the smallest and hottest in Europe after previous Conservatives Governments swept away minimum space standards.

“To make things worse the Starmer Labour government planned to weaken protections for green spaces that are so vital to cooling built up areas. This new policy works in tandem with the lib dem sunshine bill to ensure air con is powered by solar panel - keeping bills down and heat out.

“Andy Burnham must see sense and enable the country to adapt fast - looking at how we build well for the future so that we give our society the security needed during these devastating heatwaves.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors: