We can all see that the climate crisis is continuing to worsen and is having devastating impacts on our planet. It is clear we need to take urgent action nationally and locally. I’ve been campaigning on this issue in Parliament and working with schools, councillors and activists in Manchester on climate action in the community.

Here’s an update on my recent work advocating for better air quality:

Petition to Parliament pushing the Government to enact Labour’s Clean Air Act

Air pollution is a national health emergency. It is estimated that air pollution contributes to 40,000 early deaths a year nationally, costing the UK £20 billion each year. In Manchester alone, over 100 people die a year directly from toxic air, with babies, pregnant women, elderly people, and people suffering from respiratory illnesses most at risk.

However, the Conservative Government has repeatedly failed to address this serous problem.

This is why I presented a petition to Parliament encouraging the Government to learn from their mistakes in ignoring this significant issue and enact Labour’s Clean Air Act.

My Labour colleagues and I recognise the urgent need to address the air pollution health emergency in the UK. Labour is ready to take the bold and brave action our country desperately needs in order to address public health concerns and environmental degradation through our Clean Air Act.

I hope by presenting this petition that I am able to build upon the incredible work we’ve done locally in Whalley Range and with the University of Manchester. I will continue to champion the good work of these groups in Parliament, and fight for clean air to be seen as a fundamental human right.

Watch here.

Visit with the Greater Manchester Mayor to schools promoting active travel

Along with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, I visited St Margaret’s Primary School to meet their Walking Bus and Manley Park Primary School to see their Bus Train. It was a pleasure to show my support to the fantastic efforts by students, parents, staff and other volunteers in Whalley Range to address air pollution and promote active travel.

These initiatives prove air pollution is a serious issue that so many people care about, and I’m keen for more schools and communities to take action to help our environment.

The visit was followed by an assembly where Andy Burnham answered challenging questions put to him by the students at St Margaret’s on tackling air pollution in Manchester and improving public transport in Whalley Range. It was great to see the students so involved on this significant matter and I found it invaluable to listen to their voices.

I am proud to live in a city that has clean air at the heart of its agenda and is listening to the people of Manchester by taking action to ensure our city is a cleaner and healthier place to live in, work in and visit.

Take a look at our visit here.