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Diesel Vehicles: Defeat Devices
25 February 2026
Lead MP
Rupa Huq
Ealing Central and Acton
Lab
Responding Minister
Simon Lightwood
Tags
Economy
Word Count: 3064
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Rupa Huq raised concerns about diesel vehicles: defeat devices in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Minister to step up the investigation into defeat devices used by various manufacturers. I request information about the status, timeline, enforcement powers, and potential actions for vehicles emitting unlawfully high levels of pollutants. Additionally, I urge the Government to prioritise public health and consumer protection in its inquiry.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the widespread use of defeat devices in diesel vehicles, which has led to excessive emissions that cause respiratory illness, cardiovascular disease, childhood asthma, and premature deaths. Despite the outlawing of these devices, multiple manufacturers are accused of deceiving drivers by installing software that falsifies emission test results, resulting in real-life consequences for air quality and public health. The issue extends beyond individual companies like Volkswagen; it affects millions of cars on UK roads and contributes to significant economic losses.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the hon. Member for Ealing Central and Acton for bringing this debate, highlighting that vehicles registered in Northern Ireland in 2015 were among those fitted with illegal software during the Volkswagen emissions scandal. Mentions enforcement action against diesel lorries with illegal emissions-cheating hardware. Notes a 17-year gap where the MOT system failed to test diesel emissions properly.
Government Response
Simon Lightwood
Government Response
Mr Lightwood reaffirmed the Government's commitment to greener transport and reducing harmful emissions. He detailed the strengthened oversight of vehicle emissions, including rigorous testing programmes since 2016 by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's vehicle market surveillance unit. The Minister mentioned that 110 individual vehicle models are under active investigation. Manufacturers are required to take corrective action for non-compliance within defined deadlines. Once investigations are complete, manufacturer-specific findings will be published. The Government is considering further measures like compulsory environmental recalls if necessary. Mr Lightwood confirmed he would meet Ms Huq.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.