James MacCleary MP calls for ‘Cool Hubs’ amid soaring temperatures

The Lib Dem MP for Lewes, Newhaven, Seaford, Polegate and surrounding villages, James MacCleary, has backed calls for the Government to open up ‘cool hubs’ in air-conditioned public buildings, such as gyms, libraries and leisure centres, providing much needed relief for vulnerable people during summer heatwaves.

It comes as Spring 2025 was confirmed as the hottest and sunniest on UK record, with the Met Office warning that 40°C summers in Britain are becoming increasingly likely.

Government figures show that 2,295 deaths were associated with heatwaves in the summer of 2023, highlighting the growing danger to those in poor-quality housing or temporary accommodation.

In the Lewes constituency, thousands of residents are living in poorly insulated homes, putting them at greater risk of overheating in the summer and facing soaring energy bills in cold homes in winter.

James MacCleary and the Lib Dems are calling for urgent action to protect communities from extreme heat, including working with councils to open ‘cool hubs’ in public and community buildings during heatwaves, a national Home Upgrade Programme to provide free insulation and heat pumps for low-income households, and stronger preparation and emergency planning to tackle the growing threat of extreme weather events.

James said: “Too many people in Lewes, Newhaven, Seaford, Polegate and our surrounding villages are struggling to cope in sweltering conditions in homes that simply aren’t built to deal with extreme heat. The elderly, those with health conditions, and families in poor housing are all especially vulnerable. Opening up cool hubs in places like gyms or libraries could offer them a lifeline.

“We also want the Government to take action now with urgent upgrades to housing so that homes stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter"

“The Government is simply not doing enough to prepare the UK for the impacts of climate change. It’s time they stepped up and put the most vulnerable people first.”