Business of the House

Rachael Maskell Excerpts

Thursday 2nd July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I certainly agree with my hon. Friend that choirs and local events can do so much to support and bring together our local communities, including by helping with mental health and combating loneliness. Volunteers who help to organise events, such as the members of the Fulford community choir, provide an invaluable service to their local community, and my hon. Friend is absolutely right to recognise them.

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

Heat-related mortality has taken 10,000 lives in England over the last five years and exacerbated the risk of ill health, from asthma to stroke. With climate degradation, things are only going to get worse. What steps are the Government taking to address this issue and ensure that there are proper facilities in workplaces, homes and communities, to future-proof our society against extreme heat?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

My hon. Friend is right to raise that. We know that extreme weather events are getting more common and that these issues will not go away. We are working across Government to respond to severe heatwaves and mobilise support, particularly for the most vulnerable, who are of course at greatest risk of harm. As my hon. Friend will know, the Government are taking action to combat climate change, and I will make sure that the points she raises are shared with the relevant Minister.