Sue Hayman MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, ahead of the High Court consideration of the government’s request to further delay publication of their air quality plan, said:

“If the government fails to publish its plan to deal with the chronic levels of air pollution today then Labour will, within the first 30 days of our administration.

“Labour will bring forward a new Clean Air Act, setting out how we would tackle air pollution that NHS experts say contributes to 40,000 premature deaths every year. 

“With nearly 40 million people in the UK living in areas with illegal levels of air pollution, it is simply not acceptable for ministers to hide behind the general election to delay publishing plans to improve air quality.

“Purdah rules exist to stop one party using the machinery of government for their  electoral advantage, not to be used as an excuse to delay acting on vital public health matters. We trust that the court will recognise this.

“While the Conservatives shirk responsibility, Labour will deal with the dirty air damaging the lives of millions of British people.”