Toxic Air Pollutants Local Authorities
2021-04-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Following a family tragedy where Ella Kissi-Debrah died due to air pollution, the coroner has recently recommended bringing UK air-quality standards up to World Health Organisation levels.
The death of nine-year-old Ella Kissi-Debrah was a family tragedy made public when the coroner decided her death was caused by air pollution. The latest report states there is no safe level of air pollution and calls for WHO-standardised levels, which would significantly reduce pollution. Will the Minister commit to these recommendations?
We are taking this issue seriously and met Ella's mother to listen closely. The coroner's report was published yesterday, and we will respond in due course. Through our Environment Bill, we will introduce a duty to set long-term air-quality targets and exposure targets after consulting with experts. A £3.8 million air clean-up programme is underway.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to accepting the WHO recommendation for air quality standards but stated they are considering it seriously.
We Will Respond In Due Course
Taking This Issue Extremely Seriously
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The coroner's report on Ella Kissi-Debrah's death recommended the Government view WHO air-quality guidelines as minimum requirements, due to all particulate matter being harmful.
Yesterday, in response to Ella Kissi-Debrah's death, the coroner published a prevention of future deaths report that recommended viewing WHO air quality guidelines as minimum standards because particulate matter is harmful. When will the Minister commit to setting PM2.5 targets at least in line with these guidelines?
The report highlights no safe limit for PM2.5, so we are taking advice on it. Our clean air strategy is acclaimed as world-leading and sets steps to improve air quality. The Environment Bill will introduce a duty to set long-term targets on air quality and exposure targets.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to setting PM2.5 targets in line with WHO guidelines but stated they are leading on clean air strategies.
Taking So Much Advice
Leading As World-Leading
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
In the Committee, Labour attempted to include WHO air-quality guidelines into the Environment Bill but were voted down. The coroner now recommends setting PM2.5 targets at least in line with these guidelines.
Labour tried to write WHO air quality guidelines into the Environment Bill but were voted down. In response to Ella Kissi-Debrah's death, the coroner recommends viewing these guidelines as minimum requirements due to particulate matter being harmful. When will the Minister commit to a PM2.5 target at least in line with these guidelines?
There is no safe limit for PM2.5, which is why we are taking advice on it. Our clean air strategy is acclaimed as world-leading and sets steps to improve air quality. The Environment Bill will introduce duties to set long-term targets on air quality.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to setting PM2.5 targets in line with WHO guidelines but praised their clean air strategy as leading.
Taking So Much Advice
Leading As World-Leading
Response accuracy