Air Pollution Action From The Uk Government Is Beyond Urgent

8th May 2017

Commenting on the UK Government's decision not to challenge the High Court ruling around publication of their air pollution strategy by 9 May 2017, Scottish Labour spokesperson for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, David Stewart MSP said:

"The UK Government's original air pollution strategy was so weak, it was ruled illegal in a High Court case brought by ClientEarth and in breach of EU Law as well as domestic legislation. That should have been the push they needed to produce something more worthwhile.



"Instead, they tried to keep their strategy secret until after the election - delaying once again their actually dealing with the air pollutions levels in this country that are a constant threat to public health, with one study suggesting it is responsible for 40,000 premature deaths a year.



"High levels of air pollution are particularly bad across the major cities in Scotland, with places like Glasgow regularly breaching EU laws on air quality. Inhaling fumes has been linked to heart and lung conditions, early onset Alzheimer’s, and many more and affects the youngest, oldest, and most vulnerable people in society, particularly in more working class areas, and more work must be done to stop the impacts.



“The UK Government must publish a comprehensive and radical plan for dealing with air pollution without further delay, or continue risking the lives of the people of the Scotland."