The EFRA committee report on air quality will be like water off a ducks back to Oliver Letwin. But some of this mud is going to stick to him and the Government. Air quality failings are a significant factor in the London Mayoral elections, the London airport runway decision and Government were warned by the Natural Capital Committee. Failures to act are damaging all sorts of reputations. Oliver Letwin, of course has a very similar role in the current flooding debate.

The Efra Committee report: 

‘The Government must act now to tackle this public health emergency’, says the report from the environment, food and rural affairs select committee, chaired by the Conservative MP Neil Parrish. ‘Poor air quality is damaging the UK’s environment and harming the nation’s health: emissions have declined significantly over many decades, but not far enough to prevent the early deaths of 40-50,000 people each year’. The report adds ‘We see little evidence of a cohesive cross-government plan’. It says the group tasked with co-ordinating efforts lead by Oliver Letwin, is seen as secretive and ‘does not publish information on its meeting, outcomes or action plans’ … Sound familiar? 

Defra & DfT have announced a new joint committee … but it is action that is thin on the ground 

Pity about the ClientEarth Judicial review Judge decides UK government will face renewed legal action over air quality 28 April 2016 Environmental lawyers ClientEarth have been granted permission to take the UK government back to court over its failure to tackle illegal levels of air pollution. A judge at the High Court has granted our request to pursue a Judicial Review against Defra. It comes on the eve of the anniversary of ClientEarth’s victory at the Supreme Court last year.

ClientEarth’s CEO James Thornton said the decision by the court to grant a hearing was a victory in itself. He said: “The UK government has claimed that it has done everything required by last year’s Supreme Court ruling.  By granting us permission to return to court the judge has decided that the government does indeed have a case to answer.” ClientEarth lodged papers at the High Court in London in March – naming the UK Environment Secretary Liz Truss as defendant. Papers were also served on Scottish and Welsh ministers, the Mayor of London and the Department for Transport as interested parties in the case.