Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Set stricter legal targets for air quality and increase funding for research
Closed
201 signatures
What the petition asks
The Government’s planned new legal targets for air quality must align with the WHO air quality guideline levels. It should also increase funding for research and development to develop cleaner energy sources and reduce plastic air pollution from tyres. This will also help combat climate change.
Each year at least 28,000 people in the UK die prematurely because of air pollution, including children. Air pollution has been linked to heart disease, lung disease and cancer, and can exacerbate allergies, skin conditions and pregnancy complications.
Currently we are above the World Health Organisation guideline levels for multiple pollutants. Data from the World Bank shows that 66% of the UK population were exposed to pollution above the WHO standards in 2017.
Currently we are above the World Health Organisation guideline levels for multiple pollutants. Data from the World Bank shows that 66% of the UK population were exposed to pollution above the WHO standards in 2017.
Timeline
| 13 Jun 2022 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 27 Dec 2022 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
201
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
13 Jun 2022
Closed
27 Dec 2022
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.