Rochdale MP, Tony Lloyd, is calling on the government to act now on to reduce levels of toxic air pollution.

Tony said, “If you ask anyone if people should have the right to breathe clean air, I doubt very much they would say ‘no’. Yet air pollution continues to be the largest environmental risk to public health. 

“The UK made a commitment to a landmark UN resolution which recognised the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right. Current UK law doesn’t adequately allow for this and tragically 40,000 people a year in our country lose their lives early as a result, whilst many others suffer from chronic conditions and reduced life expectancy.

“There are things the government could be doing to tackle this, such as increasing investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy to reduce harmful emissions. This would also reduce the cost of living for households in Rochdale and beyond.

“The government could also support the Clean Air Bill, which is going through Parliament and has wide cross-party support. This would ensure the human right to breathe clean air is put in place, and in turn, prevent deaths and health complications whilst protecting the environment and mitigating climate change.

“We’re running out of time on this. The government must act now.”

Tony joins 28 other cross-party MPs in signing a Parliamentary motion urging the government to support the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill. The Bill passes the third reading in the House of Lords and secured significant cross-part support.

—Ends—

Notes for editors:-

• The full text of the motion, and a list of signatories, can be found here:
https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/60394