← Back to House of Commons Debates
Air Quality
03 February 2021
Lead MP
Theresa Villiers
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TransportBenefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Theresa Villiers raised concerns about air quality 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
Theresa Villiers moved a Bill to improve air quality, emphasising that poor air quality is a significant threat to public health. She highlighted the need for further action beyond the Government's existing clean air strategy and called for urgent research on setting legally binding PM2.5 targets. The Environment Bill introduced by her previously would set rigorous environmental standards and accountability measures. Villiers also underscored the importance of protecting nature, reducing domestic burning pollution, and transitioning to cleaner forms of transport such as electric vehicles and buses. She warned about the potential negative impact of poorly implemented cycling lanes and low traffic neighbourhoods on air quality and emphasised the need for better enforcement of tailpipe emissions standards. The Government's £3.8 billion plan to reduce harmful transport emissions was praised, alongside a call for more investment in green jobs.
Theresa Villiers
Con
Chipping Barnet
Villiers stressed the urgent need to address air pollution due to its severe impact on public health. She discussed the Environment Bill's role in setting ambitious PM2.5 targets and protecting nature, along with calls for stricter enforcement of vehicle emission standards. The MP also highlighted the importance of reducing domestic burning, improving transport systems through electric vehicles and buses, and protecting urban green spaces. She raised concerns about London’s progress on air quality despite significant funding and criticised plans for a third runway at Heathrow as detrimental to air quality.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.