‘Government spectacularly failing to get grip on air pollution’ say Green Party

Almost 90% of British cities exceed World Health Organisation (WHO) limits for air pollution – including Manchester.

Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of the Green Party, called for “urgent action” after 44 out of 51 cities were found to fail the WHO's test for fine sooty particles smaller than 2.5 microns across. These particles – known as PM2.5 - have been linked to heart disease and premature death.

Measurements recorded in Manchester reached 13 micrograms per cubic metre of air, above the maximum limit of 10 micrograms per cubic metre of air, according to the organisation. In 2015, the Telegraph reported Manchester had a limit of 10.4 micrograms per cubic metre of air, attributable to 5.9% of deaths in those over the age of 25.

Air quality across Greater Manchester is measured by GreatAir Manchester, part of the Public Protection Partnership including all local authorities in the region. No monitoring sites are present in Rochdale, with the nearest being in Bury.

Earlier this month the Green Party launched its ‘Breathing Cities’ campaign, which aims for five zero-emission city centres in Britain within the next five years, in London, Leeds, Oxford, Sheffield and Bristol.

Mr Bartley said: "The Government is spectacularly failing to get a grip on air pollution. It is not surprising that 44 of 51 UK cities have air so dirty it breaks health limits. Only bold policies will tackle this public health emergency and yet the Government has sunk thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money trying to defend its illegally poor plans in the courts.

“We need urgent action to save lives across the UK, including a rapid transition to zero-emission city centres and a new Clean Air Act fit for the 21st century."

Attempts to control air pollution in the UK date back to the thirteenth century, although it wasn't until after the industrial revolution and the Clean Air Act of 1956 that effective measures to prevent gross air pollution were implemented.