Britain's record-breaking May heatwave has raised political temperatures as the Conservative Party pledges to reverse national net-zero building regulations that ban air-conditioning in new homes. The rules, introduced during Boris Johnson's premiership, are now being targeted for repeal.
Conservative Pledge to End Air-Con Ban
Goan-heritage MP Claire Coutinho, the UK's shadow energy secretary, stated: "Why should Britain be one of the only countries to not have air-conditioning? The next Conservative government will get rid of the anti-growth air-con ban."
On Tuesday, the UK saw the record for the hottest May temperature broken for the second consecutive day, reaching 35 degrees Celsius. The sweltering heat, exacerbated by the absence of cooling in 95% of British homes, has triggered a debate over the prudence of the net-zero regulations devised by Robert Jenrick when he was housing secretary in January 2021.
Criticism of Current Regulations
The Tories, seemingly wiser from experience, said they would overturn Jenrick's regulations—he has since defected to Reform UK. They pointed out that air-conditioning is widespread in countries such as the UAE, Singapore, and the US, yet only 5% of households in the UK have it. High indoor temperatures affect children's learning, work productivity, and sleep, they argued.
The current regulations enshrine a preference for passive cooling, which includes open windows, shutters, and cross-ventilation. Builders who wish to install air-conditioning must first demonstrate to a designated body that every passive alternative has been tried and found unsuitable.
Labour Government's Stance
In September 2025, the Labour government stated that air-conditioning was "not a desirable or financially efficient solution due to the energy it consumes," and that widespread adoption would strain the national grid and slow progress towards the UK's 2050 net-zero target. Net zero refers to a state in which greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere are balanced by removal out of the atmosphere.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan's 2021 London Plan effectively bans air-conditioning, declaring it "not desirable" and permitting it only where deemed unavoidable.
Conservative Plan to Override Local Plans
Sir James Cleverly, shadow housing secretary, said the Conservatives would use national powers to override anti-air-conditioning local plans. The party aims to address the growing demand for cooling solutions as temperatures rise.
