Lib Dems Call for Cross-Party Talks on Climate Crisis

The Liberal Democrats are calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to hold a cross-party meeting about the UK's response to extreme weather. The party wants leaders from all sides of politics to sit down together and talk about how to protect Britain from the climate crisis. Their request comes after the UK experienced five heatwaves since May and as scientists warn that a powerful 'super El Niño' weather event is on the way.

Lib Dem energy spokesperson Pippa Heylings and party leader Ed Davey wrote to Burnham two weeks ago. They asked him to set up a meeting with the leaders of all UK parties. So far, they say they have not received any reply from the prime minister's office.

Heylings praised Burnham for being willing to talk about issues people care about, but said he has been too quiet on extreme heat. 'What we have heard so far has been underwhelming,' she said. 'Banning disposable barbecues is good, but we need to see more.' She pointed out that Burnham has already called for cross-party support on social care and wants him to take the same approach to the climate crisis.

Heylings also warned about the dangers of a coming 'super El Niño.' El Niño is a natural weather pattern that warms parts of the Pacific Ocean and can cause unusual weather around the world. She said this one is especially powerful and could make storms and flooding in the UK much worse during autumn and winter. 'We're looking at a double whammy,' she said, meaning the UK could face both the effects of El Niño and the ongoing climate crisis at the same time.

Some Labour MPs have given the idea a mixed response. Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich South, supported the call for a cross-party meeting. 'It's the kind of politics we need,' he said, adding that political cooperation is the first step toward building agreement across parties and society. However, Jon Pearce, the Labour MP for High Peak in Derbyshire, was less hopeful and warned that it was unlikely the Conservatives or Reform UK would agree to take part.

Pearce said the two right-leaning parties have walked away from the political agreement on fighting climate change. He listed the serious problems already happening — wildfires, drought, water shortages, and farmers struggling to grow food — and said leaders should not ignore them. 'There should be political consensus on a matter of such national importance but sadly there is not,' he said. Polls show that most voters do support strong action on climate change, even if some party leaders do not.

Green party MP Hannah Spencer said the climate crisis should be a top priority across every part of the government. She noted that the Greens have been pushing for climate action for decades. The Conservatives said they would not comment on talks they had not been invited to, and Reform UK did not respond to a request for comment.

The UK government said it is already taking steps to fight the climate crisis and prepare for extreme weather. A spokesperson said the government is building nine new reservoirs and investing at least £10.5 billion to build new flood defenses by 2036. However, critics say these steps are not enough and that real progress needs cooperation across all parties.