By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-06-24 11:06:01 | Updated at 2026-06-24 12:19:38
1 hour ago
Richard Holden has demanded Labour addresses a major failing that has left Britons sweltering as temperatures soar across the nation.
Speaking to GB News, the Shadow Minister for Transport said the lack of air conditioning was creating punishing conditions for British workers.
“I was speaking to a bus driver yesterday, he's facing temperatures of 42C in his cab, which is absolutely sweltering to work in,” Mr Holden began.
He also despaired over the “absolute nightmare” for commuters in London using un-air-conditioned trains.
“The truth is, other countries managed to deal with this, and they managed to deal with it via air conditioning.”
However, the Shadow Transport Secretary pointed to skyrocketing energy prices as a major impediment to the rollout of the cooling systems.
“We can only really afford air conditioning if you've got energy prices which aren't sky high like they are here in the UK.
“The Europeans pay on average about half our energy costs, the Americans around a quarter, the Chinese around an eighth.
Transport Secretary Richard Holden has demanded Labour address the lack of air conditioning 
GB NEWS
“We need to have a situation where we have plentiful and less expensive energy,” Mr Holden insisted.
“That's why my party and Claire Coutinho, the Shadow Energy secretary, has put forward our cheap power plan,” he continued.
“We want to get drilling back in the North Sea. We want to see those bills coming down. The only way you're going to do that is by supplying plenty of energy.”
Mr Holden then took aim at Labour Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who has opposed reopening North Sea oil and gas extraction.
'The truth is, other countries managed to deal with this, and they managed to deal with it via air conditioning,' Mr Holden said
GETTY
“We cannot have a situation where we saw Ed Miliband basically saying ‘no, you've got to suffer’ in order for him to hit some targets and objectives.
“Especially in a world where China per head is now producing twice as much carbon dioxide as the UK, and they're still building more coal-fired power stations. It's absolutely crazy!
“We need in the UK to be energy secure, but also to pursue the Conservatives' cheap energy plan,” Mr Holden demanded.
