Caroline Lucas responds to EU taking British Government to court on air pollution

Caroline Lucas, the co-leader of the Green Party, has responded to the news that the EU is taking the British Government to court over breaches of air pollution limits.

She said that the announcement is an 'extremely powerful reminder of just how much we’d miss the EU enforcement powers when it comes to environmental protection if Brexit happens'.

She said:

"This announcement is good news for all those suffering from chronic air pollution - people have been breathing in toxic air for too long because of the failure of the British Government in tackling this issue. Indeed this announcement from the European Commission is an extremely powerful reminder of just how much we’d miss the EU enforcement powers when it comes to environmental protection if Brexit happens. The current plans by the Government to enforce these kind of rules are simply not up to the task - and they clearly need an urgent rethink to ensure environmental protection isn't sacrificed as we hurtle towards Brexit."