Liberal Democrats want the UK to fully comply with air quality laws by 2012 Olympics
Over 4,400 people estimated to die prematurely in London each year due to air pollution
Environmental Protection UK and ‘Clean Air in London’ welcome the policy commitment made by the Liberal Democrats and call on the other political parties to make the same unambiguous commitment
Hughes: 24,000 Brits die prematurely each year due to air pollution
Liberal Democrat press release web link:
Text of Liberal Democrat press release:
At least 24,000 people in Britain are dying prematurely due to air pollution every year, research by the Liberal Democrats based on official EU reports has revealed.
Analysis of an EU case study, released today by the Liberal Democrats, shows that at least 4,400 Londoners are dying prematurely each year from air pollution – four times greater than previously admitted by the Mayor of London.
With the UK expected to be in breach of European air quality targets for years to come, tens of thousands will die prematurely each year or have their health seriously affected.
Liberal Democrats want the UK to fully comply with air quality laws in time for the 2012 Olympics.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Simon Hughes said:
“Air pollution is a silent killer. Every year, thousands of people across Britain are having their lives cut short because our Government is dragging its heels on cleaning up the air we breathe.”
“Meeting European targets on air pollution is not optional – it’s a matter of life or death.” “It is high time Britain cleaned up its act.”
The Liberal Democrats have published today a 14 page Policy Briefing note: “Air pollution” which is attached below.
Quotes:
Campaign for Clean Air in London quote:
Simon Birkett, Principal Contact for the Campaign for Clean Air in London (CCAL), said:
“The Liberal Democrats are to be commended for their policy commitment to ensure the United Kingdom complies fully with air quality laws for dangerous airborne particles and nitrogen dioxide by the time of the 2012 Olympics.
“After 10 years of unchanged or worsening air pollution, new thinking and bold action are needed urgently to tackle a problem that kills thousands of people up to 10 years early each year in London. Such action will create green jobs, reduce health costs and give confidence that the UK’s ambitious climate change and sustainability targets will be met.
“The Campaign for Clean Air in London calls on the other political parties to make the same unambiguous commitment and back it with meaningful action.”
Environmental Protection UK press release web link:
(link currently unavailable)
Environmental Protection UK quote
“In 2012 the lungs of the world’s top athletes will be breathing the UK’s air, and it is absolutely imperative that we meet our air quality standards by this date as a very minimum”, said Philip Mulligan, Chief Executive of Environmental Protection UK. “We now call on the other political parties to make a similar unambiguous commitment to ensure that the health benefits of clean air are captured across the UK as a tangible health benefit for all.”
Contact:
Campaign for Clean Air in London
Simon Birkett, Principal Contact, can be contacted through the Campaign website or the email or mobile phone number provided separately.
