Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK100’s Clean Air Recommendations

Thursday 12 January 2023 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jim Shannon asked the Secretary of State about UK100's report on clean air and net zero challenges, to which the Secretary responded that she has not made an assessment of the report.
  • Jim Shannon also inquired if the Secretary had assessed the potential implications of UK100's report on her policies, to which she replied that air quality is improving and local authorities should use their powers to improve air quality.
  • Ruth Jones questioned the Secretary about delayed targets under the Environment Act 2021, expressing concerns about pollution levels affecting children and grandchildren, while the Secretary mentioned that air quality sensors are being installed across the country and noted that air quality is a devolved matter in Wales.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Climate Environment
Context

UK100's report “Yes We CANZ” highlights the importance of integrating clean air and net zero agendas. The report suggests that many greenhouse gas sources are also major contributors to air pollution.

Question

I thank the Secretary of State for her answer. She will be aware that UK100's report, 'Yes We CANZ: Local leaders delivering Clean Air and Net Zero', highlights the importance of bringing together clean air and net zero challenges. Many sources of greenhouse gases are also sources of air pollution. Can she comment on the report's recommendations? Will she agree to meet me and some of the cross-party local authority members of UK100 to discuss how the Government can support the further integration of the clean air and net zero agendas?

Answer from Therese Coffey

I will not commit to meet because, as I have said, I have not made an assessment. Let us think about the environment in the long term. That is why five years ago we set out the 25-year environment plan and why, at the end of the month, we will be doing the environmental improvement plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to meet with local authorities from UK100

How: I Have Not Made An Assessment

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Q2 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Climate Environment
Context

UK100's report “Yes We CANZ” highlights the importance of integrating clean air and net zero agendas. The report suggests that many greenhouse gas sources are also major contributors to air pollution.

Question

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the recommendations of UK100's clean air net zero report.

Answer from Therese Coffey

Happy new year, Mr Speaker. I am pleased that air quality is improving across our country. I have not made an assessment of that report, but I expect all local authorities to make full use of the many powers available to improve air quality and meet their statutory obligations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Assessment of UK100's clean air net zero report

How: I Have Not Made An Assessment

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Q3 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Environment
Context

The Government has missed the legal deadline by over six weeks to announce targets under the Environment Act 2021. The announced targets condemn future generations to live in toxic levels of pollution for another 18 years.

Question

Happy new year, Mr Speaker. This Government's targets under the Environment Act 2021 have finally been announced, more than six weeks after the legal deadline. Sadly, they condemn our children and grandchildren to live, learn and play in toxic levels of pollution for another 18 years. Will the Secretary of State, at the very least, pick up the excellent recommendation in the UK100 report to improve data for national and local action, with a comprehensive monitoring network of air quality sensors?

Answer from Therese Coffey

More air quality sensors are being put in place across the country. The hon. Lady will know that it is a devolved matter in Wales, so that is for them. Local authorities are doing this already. What worries me is that too many local authority leaders, particularly in Greater Manchester and London, are dragging their heels about improving air quality.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Installation of air quality sensors across the country

How: Local Authorities Are Doing This Already

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