Kerry McCarthy MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, commenting on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee report on Air Pollution, said:

“Air pollution is one of the most serious environmental and health risks facing us today, responsible for 50,000 early deaths each year in the UK.

“Defra has decided that just five cities outside London will be required to have limited Clean Air Zones, ignoring other towns and cities blighted by air pollution. The Committee is right to say that more needs to be done.

“The Environment Secretary must establish a comprehensive strategy to improve air quality across the whole country. Without a national framework, local action risks being expensive and un-coordinated.

“This report should be a wake-up call for ministers to take urgent action and prevent this public health crisis.”

ENDS