Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
No specific event or statistic mentioned, but the broader issue of air pollution is highlighted as a major public health challenge.
What plans the Government has to reduce air pollution?
Our clean air strategy sets out an ambitious programme of action to reduce air pollution from a wide range of sources. We have also put in place a £3.8 billion plan to tackle roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations. The Environment Bill makes a clear commitment to set a legally binding target to reduce fine particulate matter and will enable local authorities to take more effective action to combat pollution in their areas.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific targets or deadlines based on WHO guidelines as requested.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Prior to covid-19, polluted air was contributing to more than 40,000 premature deaths each year.
Does the Minister agree that the Government's Environment Bill must have air quality targets that follow World Health Organisation guidance and have an attainment deadline of 2030 or before?
The Environment Bill does introduce a duty to set a target for PM2.5. We are committing to ambitious action on this pollutant, which has the most significant impact on health. The Government are committed to an evidence-based policy on this issue. We will consider the WHO guideline levels when setting our targets, but it is imperative that we take all the right advice from all those who are working on the issue before we commit exactly to what we are going to do and how we are going to do it.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoids committing to specific WHO guidelines or a 2030 deadline.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
New data published by City Hall on 3 October show a dramatic improvement in London's air quality since 2016.
Will the Government commit to setting ambitious national targets and give local authorities the powers and the funding that they need to achieve them?
Through our landmark Environment Bill, we will be delivering on parts of our clean air strategy, which will introduce a target for concentration levels of PM2.5. We will also have in the Bill measures that will improve local air quality management frameworks used by local authorities to make them much simpler and easier to use.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not commit to specific national targets or funding for local authorities.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Campaigners, activists and constituents are waiting for the return of the Environment Bill.
When the Bill finally returns to the House, will the Minister commit to including the World Health Organisation's guideline air pollution limits in it?
I thank the hon. Lady for asking about the Environment Bill. As we say constantly, it will be returning very soon, but we do have an out-date for it, which is 1 December. On the point about the World Health Organisation, she should remember that these are guidelines. We have been praised for our outstanding clean air strategy, which is considered world-leading.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not commit to including WHO guidelines in the Environment Bill.
Response accuracy