Liberal Democrats call for air conditioning in all new UK homes

The Liberal Democrats have unveiled a new policy proposal aimed at addressing the UK’s growing vulnerability to extreme heat. In an exclusive briefing, the party argued that the current housing stock is “woefully unprepared” for rising temperatures and called for mandatory air‑conditioning in all new homes. The proposal also stresses the need for passive cooling strategies, such as increased tree planting in residential areas, to mitigate heat stress.

The party’s stance comes amid a broader climate‑crisis debate that highlights the inadequacy of existing building standards. By requiring air‑conditioning from the outset, the Liberal Democrats seek to reduce future retrofitting costs and improve occupant comfort during heatwaves. The emphasis on tree planting reflects a complementary approach to cooling, recognising that green infrastructure can lower ambient temperatures and enhance urban resilience without relying solely on mechanical systems.

If adopted, the new rules would set a precedent for construction regulations across the UK, potentially reshaping the industry’s approach to climate adaptation. The Liberal Democrats plan to present the proposal to Parliament in the coming weeks, where it will be debated against concerns over energy consumption, cost implications, and the feasibility of retrofitting older properties.