Older people outside in the sunshine (Image: Getty)

       Vulnerable people should be given access to air conditioned public buildings for relief during summer heatwaves, the Liberal Democrats have said. The Party suggested community spaces with cool air such as gyms, leisure centres and libraries could provide much needed respite from soaring temperatures in summer months.

       Pippa Heylings MP, Liberal Democrat energy spokeswoman said: “Cool hubs could provide a lifeline to the most vulnerable in our communities who are struggling in the sweltering conditions.

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       “Public spaces are there to serve their community, so it's absolutely right that they should provide much needed refuge during heatwaves.

       “We are woefully unprepared for climate change impacts. For far too far many people in this country, the temperatures in poorly insulated homes are simply unbearable. The Government must now get on with urgently upgrading homes to help keep families cool and safe.”

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       Climate change tripled the number of heat-related deaths across European cities in the recent heat waves, a rapid analysis by scientists has estimated.

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       Global warming, caused primarily by humans burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests, made the searing heat that gripped much of Europe in late June and early July much more intense, researchers found.

       The study, led by scientists at Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), found around 1,500 of the 2,300 estimated heat deaths were the result of climate change – equating to a tripling of the number of deaths in the heatwave due to global warming.

       Climate change was responsible for an estimated 171 excess deaths in London, 317 in Madrid and 235 in Paris, the study found.

       A Government spokesman said: “Alongside our transition to become a clean energy superpower and accelerating towards net zero, the government is taking robust action to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate.

       “In line with the National Adaptation Programme we are helping local communities become more resilient to overheating and launching the Local Advisory Climate Service to provide local authorities with tailored information on climate change to support adaptation planning.

       “We urge people to take extra care in the hot weather and building regulations are in place to reduce the risk of new homes overheating and housing tenants can speak to their council if excess heat means that their property is in a dangerous condition.”

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