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Clean Air (Human Rights)
17 January 2024
Lead MP
Caroline Lucas
Debate Type
General Debate
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Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Caroline Lucas raised concerns about clean air (human rights) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Moves a Bill to establish the right to breathe clean air, requiring the Secretary of State to achieve and maintain clean air in England. The Bill involves the UK Health Security Agency in setting pollution limits, enhances powers for various agencies, establishes the Citizens’ Commission for Clean Air with legal intervention rights, and applies environmental principles to all duties under this Act.
Caroline Lucas
Green
Brighton Pavilion
Emphasises that air pollution is a public health emergency linked to asthma, heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues. It disproportionately affects low-income and BAME communities, especially children; estimates suggest 43,000 avoidable deaths annually and £20 billion in public costs due to air pollution. The Environment Act 2021 is insufficient, as seen by the PM’s claim of world-leading efforts despite high asthma rates among UK children and the need for more stringent targets on PM2.5 levels.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.