Local Clean Air Targets — [Sir Charles Walker in the Chair]

He congratulated the hon. Member for Manchester, Withington on securing the debate and highlighted that 40,000 premature deaths per year are caused by air pollution in the UK. He also mentioned the World Health Organisation's estimate of 7 million global deaths annually due to air pollution. Brown discussed low emission zones and funding initiatives like Scotland's Low Emission Zone Mobility Fund as potential solutions.

Mr. Alex Sobel highlighted the urgent need for stringent clean air targets, citing World Health Organisation estimates that 7 million deaths worldwide are due to exposure to air pollution annually, with 500,000 in Europe. Leeds faces 40,000 adult deaths a year due to PM2.5 concentrations. He criticised the Government's decision not to implement a charging clean air zone, which was estimated to cost £40 million and had already received £29 million in funding.

Claudia Webbe highlighted the importance of clean air and climate justice for Leicester, noting that air pollution increases the severity of covid-19 infections. She mentioned that Leicester is one of the 40 most polluted places in the UK but has seen a significant reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels since 2010. During the coronavirus lockdown, air quality improved due to reduced car traffic. Webbe urged for stronger Environment Bill commitments and called for full-fibre broadband, mass housing insulation programme, and green public transport system.

Jim Shannon highlighted the importance of balancing clean air targets with practical needs in rural communities. He noted that Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has made progress but still faces challenges meeting nitrogen dioxide objectives at three sites close to busy roads. Shannon also mentioned improvements due to reduced car use during the pandemic and advocated for better broadband infrastructure to support remote work.

Ms Gideon highlighted the need for investment from the transforming cities fund to improve public transport in Stoke-on-Trent, noting a one-third decline in bus use over ten years. She mentioned that despite high levels of pollution from cars, car ownership is relatively low and stressed the importance of improving rail services, moving towards zero-emission buses, and enhancing walking and cycling routes.

Jonathan Gullis highlighted concerns over the implementation of Government's air quality targets by Stoke-on-Trent City Council. He criticised JAQU for dismissing local measures such as car scrappage schemes and installing more electric charging points, preferring instead to close strategic roads during peak hours. Gullis argued that natural compliance with clean air targets would be achieved by 2026 due to the uptake of efficient vehicles, questioning why £13 million is being spent on measures set to be removed three years later. He also pointed out that national strategic corridors like the A50 and A500 are major polluters yet appear exempt from meeting local clean air targets.

Poor air quality is harming the lives of constituents, with over 6% of adult deaths in Nottingham attributable to manmade air pollution. That's more deaths than from alcohol and road traffic accidents combined. She also mentioned that the figure rises to 40,000 across the country. The number could have been even higher this year due to growing evidence linking polluted air with increased risk of dying from covid-19.

She highlighted poor air quality issues in York, particularly nitrogen dioxide levels exceeding WHO targets. She mentioned that 150 lives are lost prematurely each year due to poor air quality and called for better monitoring of air quality management areas and modal shift conversations with residents. Maskell also criticised the proposal to widen ring roads as it would induce more traffic capacity leading to congestion costing £30 million annually. She further emphasised the need for accountability, enforcement, resources, and a comprehensive strategy around public transport and active travel.

Ms. Jones highlighted the importance of clean air for human health, ecosystems, and waterways, noting that toxic air contributes to about 1,200 deaths annually in Greater Manchester alone. She criticised the Government's approach towards local authorities and Highways England on nitrogen dioxide compliance and called for clear instructions from ministers. Ms. Jones also emphasised the need for financial support for businesses and local authorities as they implement clean air zones.

Supporting air quality measures and reducing carbon emissions, Stephen Doughty emphasised the need for adequate support for private hire drivers and taxi drivers to help them transition to cleaner vehicles. He noted that these drivers are often on low incomes and require financial assistance to make changes. Mr. Doughty expressed deep concern about the plans to build additional incinerators in his constituency, stating that these plants are often misleadingly presented as green solutions but actually contradict climate change targets and guidance on air quality. He highlighted issues with existing infrastructure and promised benefits not being fulfilled. Concerned about the impact of vehicle movements and emissions near schools and residential areas, Mr. Doughty also questioned the strategic view taken across the UK regarding waste management. Asked the Minister about incinerators, particularly those in Taunton Deane constituency and near his own constituency.