Rushanara Ali MP is supporting the introduction of an Air Quality Bill presented by Geraint Davies, Labour Co-operative MP for Swansea West. This Bill follows a report from the Royal Colleges that recently found diesel fumes cause 40,000 premature deaths every year from lung cancer, strokes and heart disease.

The new Air Quality Bill calls for more effective emissions by testing new diesel cars in more realistic driving conditions and gives the Environment Agency more powers to better protect residents affected by pollution clouds.  The Bill also gives local councils the authority to designate low emissions and pedestrian zones, promote cleaner public transport alternatives.

Rushanara Ali MP said:

“I am delighted to support The Air Quality Bill. Local residents in Bethnal Green and Bow are rightly concerned about the health effects of toxic diesel fumes as a result of living in one of the most densely populated areas in the country. This Bill will save thousands of lives and billions of pounds by ensuring reliable vehicle emissions testing, giving new powers to councils to clean up local air, and promotes sustainable transport.”

Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said:

“Air pollution causes tens of thousands of early deaths every year, increases the risk of lung cancer and impairs child lung development. Geraint Davies’ Bill further highlights these unacceptable dangers to the nation’s lung health. Immediate action must be taken by the government.”