Shropshire MP supporting call for pollution action
A Shropshire MP has backed calls to reduce air pollution after the county received over £53,000 to test monitors and develop a map of hotspots.
Phillip Dunne, who represents south Shropshire, met with Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for health and social care, at an event hosted by the Conservative Environment Network to discuss air pollution and the Clean Air Strategy.
Mr Dunne said: "Air pollution is the top environmental risk to human health in the UK, and children are particularly vulnerable, as their lungs are still developing. I am pleased this January the Government outlined its Clean Air Strategy, and Shropshire has also received over £53,000 to test low-cost Zephyr monitors and develop an air pollution map to identify any hot spots in the county.
"It is now important the Government introduces clear targets in the Environment Bill to reduce pollutants and their associated health effects drastically. I look forward to seeing this important bill introduced to Parliament soon.”
The bill is expected to be introduced to Parliament this summer.
Mr Dunne's office said that air pollution is estimated to cost the country £1.7 billion every year, which will rise to £5.3 billion between 2020 to 2030.
Report by Taran Dhamrait
