Siân Berry, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, has reaffirmed her commitment to addressing air pollution, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention. Her comments come in response to an open letter by the activist group Enact Equality, which has called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to confront what they describe as an alarming public health and social justice crisis. The coalition of campaigners emphasises that the ramifications of air pollution disproportionately affect marginalised groups and low-income families who bear the brunt of unhealthy air, despite having contributed least to its cause.
In the letter, Enact Equality argued that air pollution transcends environmental concerns, framing it as a racial and social justice issue that demands immediate and coordinated action. This call to action is underscored by research from York University, which reveals that deprived communities in England are significantly more likely to reside in areas with elevated pollution levels. Berry echoed this sentiment, stating, “Air pollution is a social justice issue. It hits hardest in communities who have done the least to cause it," affirming the need for comprehensive government commitments to cleaner transportation and enhanced green spaces.
The demands of Enact Equality include increased investment in green transport initiatives, the creation of more accessible green spaces, and the establishment of stringent laws alongside clearer targets for air quality improvement. L’myah Sherae, the chief executive of Enact Equality, has expressed a strong desire for a dialogue with the Prime Minister, asserting that the most vulnerable communities are "paying the highest price for toxic air – with their health, their futures and their lives."
In parallel to these calls for action at the national level, local efforts in Brighton are making strides towards addressing air quality. The Brighton & Hove City Council has recently initiated a series of measures to monitor and mitigate air pollution effectively. In June 2024, the council announced the installation of new air quality monitors throughout the city to gather critical data that will inform policy decisions aimed at reducing pollution from petrol and diesel vehicles—key contributors to local air quality issues.
The council's commitment also encompasses collaborative projects, such as the introduction of electric refuse trucks and partnerships aimed at curtailing emissions from nearby Shoreham Port. These initiatives, including active participation in national campaigns to raise awareness about the implications of domestic wood burning, underscore a community-centric approach to tackling air pollution. Moreover, the rollout of a new website allows residents to access real-time data on air pollution levels, further empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their health.
Brighton’s broader Air Quality Action Plan, proposed in November 2022, lays out ambitious targets for improvement, including actions to promote active travel and the uptake of zero-emission vehicles. The plan stresses the importance of public awareness and seeks to ameliorate pollution from residential buildings by considering a citywide smoke control area, a vital step in the fight against airborne toxins.
Despite these local efforts, there remains a pressing need for stronger legislative frameworks at the national level, as highlighted by grassroots campaigners, including Clean Air for Brighton and Hove. In October 2024, this group staged a protest by displaying fake pollution signs throughout the city to underscore the need for greater public education on air quality risks. Their demands include the establishment of a Clean Air Zone, aimed at limiting the proliferation of older, more polluting diesel vehicles.
The government has publicly acknowledged the significance of the air pollution crisis. A spokesperson stated that, “Air pollution is a public health issue and we are committed to tackling this issue across the country.” They noted that £575 million has been allocated to assist local authorities in improving air quality, and a rapid review of plans to meet legally binding targets on air quality is currently underway.
As Brighton navigates these multifaceted challenges, the convergence of local initiatives and national advocacy reflects an urgent appeal for a comprehensive and united approach to safeguarding public health and enhancing the quality of life for all residents, particularly the most vulnerable among them. The call for systemic change resonates not only within the corridors of government but also throughout communities determined to reclaim their air and health.
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Source: Noah Wire Services