Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Air Pollution: London

27 April 2021 · 7 other contributors · 9,207 words

Opened by Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham

Responding minister: Rebecca Pow

Environment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Munira Wilson raised concerns about air pollution: london in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • London resident Munira Wilson expressed deep concern over air pollution causing up to 4,100 early deaths annually in London.
  • Wilson noted that 99% of London's population lives in areas exceeding WHO limits for particulate matter.
  • Wilson urged the Government to introduce 'Ella's law' and to take stronger action against Heathrow expansion plans.

Key requests to Government

Wilson asked the Minister to commit to introducing 'Ella's law,' which would establish legally binding limits on air pollution based on WHO guidelines and urged the Government to take stronger action against Heathrow expansion plans, promoting instead a shift towards electric vehicles and public transport initiatives.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham

London resident Munira Wilson expressed deep concern over the impact of air pollution on public health, highlighting that up to 4,100 early deaths annually can be linked to poor air quality in London. She mentioned a staggering 99% of London's population living in areas exceeding World Health Organisation limits for particulate matter and cited Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah's tragic death as an urgent call for action. Wilson also noted that many schools in inner-London suffer from higher pollution levels, exacerbating health inequalities.

Other contributors (7)
  • Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich

    Prior to covid-19, air pollution contributed to over 40,000 premature deaths in the UK annually. Despite this, London has seen significant progress with a 94% reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels and a 97% reduction in schools exceeding legal limits due to initiatives like school streets. However, 99% of Londoners still live in areas exceeding World Health Organisation recommended guidelines for PM2.5 pollution, leading to nearly 4,000 early deaths per year. The death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah highlighted the need for legally binding targets based on WHO guidelines.

  • Fleur Anderson Lab Putney

    She highlighted the significant health impacts of air pollution in Putney, noting that children's lungs are stunted by up to an apple-sized amount due to poor air quality. She called for more measurement stations and opposition to Heathrow's third runway plans. Anderson also urged the Minister to provide a replacement for the scrapped green homes grant, which incentivises homeowners to insulate and switch to green energy. She advocated for decreasing vehicles on roads, increasing cycling with safe storage and routes, introducing school streets, deploying green buses, and addressing pollution from Hammersmith bridge closure.

  • Rupa Huq Lab Ealing Central and Acton

    Ms Huq highlighted the ongoing issue of air pollution in London, causing around 9,500 deaths annually. She called for a halt to Heathrow expansion due to its impact on climate targets, suggested reducing road building, and advocated for an overhaul of the cycle-to-work scheme to encourage more cycling. She also expressed concerns over low-traffic neighbourhoods, citing recent protests in her borough with up to 2,500 participants. Huq argued that air quality is a social justice issue and emphasised the need for free public transport and high-speed rail development. Huq intervened briefly, asking the Minister if they would give way during the debate.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn

    Ruth Jones highlighted the importance of air quality issues, stating that toxic air poses a real threat to people with lung conditions. She mentioned that air pollution can worsen existing health inequalities and has led to an increase in hospitalisations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jones criticised the government for not meeting stricter international health community standards and for failing to enforce stronger legal duties on Ministers and local authorities.

  • Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park

    Addressed air quality issues in Richmond and Kingston, noting major roads contribute to poor air quality. Advocated for measures like walking/cycling routes, 20 mph speed limits, and affordable bus travel to reduce car journeys and improve air quality.

  • Sheryll Murray Con Eastleigh

    Reminded hon. Members about changes to normal practice for hybrid arrangements, including timings of debates and suspension between debates. Advised members attending physically to clean their spaces before use and stated that masks should be worn in Westminster Hall.

  • Virendra Sharma Lab Ealing, Southall

    Discussed the need for comprehensive planning laws to protect against point source pollution and the total load of pollutants in areas like his constituency. Highlighted that contaminated redevelopment sites pose risks to local residents' health due to high pollution levels.

Government Response

Rebecca Pow

The Government are taking air pollution seriously, with significant investment and a clear ambition to improve air quality. The Minister highlighted the case of Ella Kissi-Debrah and committed to consider recommendations from the prevention of future deaths report carefully. She mentioned that the Mayor of London is responsible for air quality in the capital, receiving funding from central Government to implement measures. The expanded ultra low emission zone in London will be introduced by the Mayor in line with his responsibility to tackle air pollution. The Minister also discussed the clean air strategy and the Environment Bill, emphasizing the reduction of industrial pollution, control of emissions from domestic burning, and new legislation restricting the sale of polluting fuels. She noted that the Environment Bill introduces a duty on Government to set legally binding targets for fine particulate matter and additional long-term targets for air quality. The Bill also ensures local authorities have more effective powers to tackle air pollution in their areas.

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