Air pollution is a significant problem in the UK, contributing to tens of thousands of early deaths every year and has serious impacts on people’s lives and communities.
Despite air pollution being deemed as the largest environmental public health risk, our emissions are still concerningly too high.
In Manchester, 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.
Urgent action is needed to reduce the damage of the climate crisis in Manchester and across the country.
I am committed to doing what I can to protect the environment. We must start by acknowledging clean air as a fundamental human right.
Below is a record of the work I have been doing over the years to advocate for better air quality:
Member of European Parliament, 2014-17
2015: Drew attention to the impact of air pollution on residents in urban areas.
2015: Wrote in support of limiting emissions.
2015: Defended Air Quality Package in European Parliament.
2016: Backed amendment to protect the environment from transboundary air pollution.
2016: Supported JU work on cleaner energy.
2016: Wrote on potential of water-based transport regarding emissions.
2016: Supported measures to address dangerous pollutants.
Member of Parliament, 2017-2024
2017: Held Transport Minister to account for the impact of unaffordable public transport.
2018: Attended a meeting of MPs to discuss Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan.
2018: Met with CLP environment officers to discuss air pollution.
2018: Backed local group campaigning for cleaner air.
2019: Supported UNICEF healthy air campaign.
2019: Asked the Government to provide the vital resources to protect children from toxic air.
2019: Wrote for the Huffington Post on the role of faith in tackling air pollution and climate change.
2019: Website post on the climate emergency and the Clean Air Plan.
2020: Highlighted the report on the impact of air pollution on a child’s ability to learn.
2020: Met with Cycling and Walking Commissioner and pledged my support.
2021: Advocated for a dedicated Clean Air Act.
2021: Voted for a new clean air standard.
2021: Asked Environment Minister to work with Greater Manchester to understand the impact of a Clean Air Zone.
2022: Met with members of the Whalley Range Climate Action Group to discuss air quality.
2022: Secured a debate on the importance of green spaces for public health.
2022: Joined Asthma & Lung UK’s ‘Clean the Air’ event.
2022: Website monthly report on climate change with write-up of clean air events.
2023: Joined Clean Air Whalley Range to launch their new film highlighting local air pollution.
2023: Supported the Ella’s Law campaign to make clean air a human right for all.
2023: Delivered a speech on the need for fewer cars for cleaner air.
2023: Aired Clean Air Whalley Range’s film in Parliament.
2023: Thread on June 2023 work on clean air.
2023: June Environment update website post.
2023: Met Asthma and Lung UK in Parliament.
2023: Met with Mayor of Greater Manchester and activists to discuss local solutions to air pollution.
2023: Spoke on dangerous air pollution in Manchester.
2023: Moderated a session at COP28 on health inequality for those living in areas with higher air pollution.
2024: Petitioned Parliament to support Labour’s Clean Air Act.
2024: Report on recent work advocating for better air quality.
2024: Hosted a roundtable discussion on air quality in the UK with Labour Climate & Environment Forum and Refresh Britain.
2024: Visited the Firs Environmental Research Station to hear about their work on air quality.
2024: Pushed for a Clean Air Act.
2024: Wrote to Minister challenging the decision to end the Air Quality Scheme.
2024: Hosted a meeting on clean air with the Mayor of Greater Manchester.
2024: Made statement against the Government decision to end the Air Quality Grant Scheme.
2024: Marked Clean Air Day at Manley Park.
2024: Attended the Clean Air stall at Whalley Range Cricket & Lawn Tennis Club.
2024: Opened the new slide at the children’s playground in Alexandra Park to mark Clean Air Day.
2024: Raised the issue of air quality in my first intervention under a Labour Government.
2024: Supported Global Action Plan and Zero Hour in delivering their petitions to Downing Street
2024: Hosted Global Action Plan in Parliament on Clean Air Day to pledge to champion the cause of clean air.
2024: Intervention raising the issue of protecting climate vulnerable countries at COP29.
2024: Spoke at the Labour List and Global Action Plan event at Labour Conference about the need to prioritise clean air to reduce health inequalities.
2024: Met with climate activists to discuss clean energy.
2024: Sponsored Asthma + Lung UK’s exhibition event showcasing personal stories from people impacted by air pollution across the country.
2024: Supported Let’s Go Zero’s campaign for building sustainable schools and supporting young people in climate advocacy.