Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Poor Air Quality: BAME Communities

Thursday 26 November 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Air pollution disproportionately affects BAME communities according to Department research
  • Discussions on the issue occur regularly with other government departments
  • Actions to address the issue will be taken through new targets in the Environment Bill

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Environment
Context

The MP noted concerns about disproportionate impact of poor air quality on black and ethnic minority communities, especially in urban areas.

Question

What assessment has the Department made regarding how poor air quality may disproportionately affect BAME communities?

Answer from George Eustice

Air pollution can be harmful to everyone; however, my Department has commissioned research into inequalities of exposure to air pollution and monitors emerging evidence investigating impacts on BAME communities. Research shows that these groups are disproportionately affected by poor air quality due to higher urban living.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or plans were not provided, only ongoing research was mentioned.

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Q2 Fleur Anderson Lab Putney
Housing Transport Environment
Context

The MP represents an urban area where BAME constituents face disproportionate impacts from both air quality and covid-19. She inquired about interdepartmental discussions and specific actions planned.

Question

Has the Secretary of State held recent discussions with colleagues in other departments regarding the issue? Will he make a statement on specific actions to address this?

Answer from George Eustice

Discussions occur regularly with other departments like Health and Social Care, Transport, and Housing. Action will be taken through setting new targets in the Environment Bill focusing on impacts on specific populations in urban areas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No concrete actions were specified beyond vague intentions to set new targets in an upcoming bill.

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