Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Air Pollution

Thursday 19 March 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial steps include modernising industrial permitting and exploring tighter standards for new wood-burning appliances to reduce fine particulate pollution.
  • The Minister supports improving air quality and cleaning up air pollution but did not commit to including Ella's law in the King's Speech.
  • The Minister agreed to meet Matt Western and the Environment Agency urgently to address pollution concerns in Warwick and Leamington.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Siân Berry Green Brighton Pavilion
Environment
Context

The question arises from the ongoing efforts to reduce air pollution in London and across England, highlighting its impact on public health.

Question

What steps she is taking to help reduce air pollution. Communities across England are affected by fine particulate pollution linked to asthma, lung conditions, and heart disease. How will the government modernise industrial permitting, explore tighter standards for new wood-burning appliances, and increase communication of air-quality information?

Answer from Emma Hardy

The communities across England will benefit from cleaner air due to our actions on fine particulate pollution. We are taking measures such as modernising industrial permitting, exploring tighter standards for new wood-burning appliances, and increasing communication of air-quality information.

Answered
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Q2 Siân Berry Green Brighton Pavilion
Environment
Context

The Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill, also known as Ella's law, was published this month alongside various organisations. It aims to affirm that the right to breathe clean air is a fundamental human right.

Question

I published the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill, also known as Ella's law, this month. Does the Minister agree that the Government should include this vital legislation in the upcoming King's Speech?

Answer from Emma Hardy

I support the objectives of improving air quality and cleaning up air pollution, as it is important for public health. However, no specific mention was made about including Ella's law in the King's Speech.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Including Ella's law in the upcoming King's Speech

How: Supporting Objectives Of Improving Air Quality Without Commitment To Legislation

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Q3 Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington
Environment
Context

In Warwick and Leamington, there is chemical pollution in the atmosphere from Berry Polymers and a proposed application by Bellway Homes to dump significant amounts of construction waste.

Question

The Minister will know that we have suffered extreme chemical pollution from Berry Polymers. There is also an application for dumping large quantities of building waste by Bellway Homes. Will she agree to meet me and the Environment Agency urgently to resolve this issue?

Answer from Emma Hardy

I thank my hon. Friend for raising these important matters, acknowledging his long-term campaigning on cleaning up rivers, lakes, and seas. I would be delighted to meet him.

Not addressed: Meeting the Environment Agency urgently

How: Acknowledging Importance But Not Committing To Urgent Meeting

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