23rd June 2025 HXR members collaborate in BMA Annual Representative Meeting HeatStrike action

On 23rd June, HXR members took part in a collaborative HeatStrike event in Liverpool with Scientists for XR and Medact, at the BMA Annual Representative Meeting. They called on delegates to vote for a motion focusing on improving resilience in heat waves for patients and staff in the NHS.

The motion highlighted how recent years have seen most of the hottest on record and that we are likely to experience record-breaking heat again this summer and in coming years. This puts many people at risk around the World and in the UK, especially the elderly, infants, pregnant women and disabled people. The Climate Crisis is a trade union issue – it is increasingly becoming an occupational hazard and a health and safety issue for workers and trade unions particularly as it also affects workers. Heat and other occupational illnesses caused by polluting fossil fuels, are rising everywhere, and are only expected to increase. Unbearable heat waves are going to keep getting worse. But the government doesn’t have a plan to protect lives.

Several hundred leaflets were handed out. There were many good conversations and sharing of concern about overheating premises. Alas the motion was not passed, but the issue was highlighted and people pointed to the national Heatstrike.uk initiative and website. Further actions to support this are planned…