Coronavirus: UK has legal duty to review air pollution targets, say lawyers
(The Guardian, 16 Jun 2020) Letter cites growing evidence of link between dirty air and Covid-19 infections and deaths
Growing evidence of a link between air pollution and the impact of coronavirus means the government has a legal obligation to urgently review its air quality strategy, according to lawyers.
In a letter to ministers, the lawyers argue that refusing to order a review would breach UK law, the precautionary principle and the European convention on human rights.
Dirty air is estimated to cause 40,000 early deaths a year in the UK, and evidence is mounting that it is linked to increased Covid-19 infection rates and death rates. The lawyers, acting for Mums for Lungs and the Good Law Project, say this potential risk to life means ministers must act even if the evidence is not yet conclusive.
External link
The Guardian, 16 Jun 2020: Coronavirus: UK has legal duty to review air pollution targets, say lawyersShare this on social media
