Wednesday 18 March
2026, 14.30, Committee Room 8, House of Commons
On Wednesday, the Environmental Audit Committee will examine the
current state of air pollution in England as it begins a new
inquiry.
MPs are examining the impact air pollution has on human health
and the environment, and considering whether the UK's targets are
sufficient. The new inquiry was selected from a series of pitches
given to MPs by experts and advocates through its ‘The Environment in
Focus' exercise.
Air pollution is associated with between 29,000 to 43,000 deaths
a year, as well as other health problems such as respiratory and
cardiovascular disease, strokes and cancer. MPs will explore
whether Government's current air quality targets are adequate to
protect health and the environment, and how these compare with
standards by other bodies, such as the World Health
Organisation.
In the first panel, MPs will ask scientific experts to set out
what impact air pollution has on human health and the link
between air pollution and climate change. Witnesses are also
likely to discuss how pollution is monitored, whether this is
consistent across England, and how England compares to other
countries in its efforts to improve air quality.
In the second panel, MPs will explore how air pollution
exacerbates health inequalities, with the burden often falling on
vulnerable and lower-income groups. They will also consider the
role of local authorities in helping to tackle air pollution, and
what extra policy measures might be needed to reach air quality
targets.
Witnesses
Panel one, from 14.30:
- Martin Clift PhD, Professor of Particle Toxicology and
Advanced Human In Vitro Systems, Swansea University
- Sarah Legge CEnv, MIES, MIAQM, Vice Chair, Environmental
Policy Implementation Community (EPIC)
Panel two, from 15.30:
- Larissa Lockwood, Director of Policy and Campaigns, Global
Action Plan
- Ruth Chambers, Senior Fellow, Green Alliance
- Matt Towner, Director of Programmes, Impact on Urban Health
