Government publishes Clean Air Strategy – UNICEF UK responds

Monday 14th January –  Today, a new Clean Air Strategy has been published by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove. The strategy sets out the UK Government’s ambition to become a leader in reducing human exposure to toxic air.

Responding to the strategy, Alastair Harper, Head of Campaigns and Advocacy at Unicef UK, said: 

“No child should be forced to breathe air that could damage their body and impact their future. Sadly around one in three children in the UK live in an area with unsafe levels of toxic air and are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

“While Unicef UK welcomes the Government’s commitment today to tackle sources of harmful pollution, it is critical that the upcoming Environment Bill outlines legal targets to reduce air pollution more quickly and keep children safe.

“We want to see greater ambition on tackling toxic air this year and tangible steps that prioritise children, with local authorities provided the powers, funding and guidance to ensure that no child is denied their right to clean air.”

Notes to Editors:

For more information, or to set up an interview with a spokesperson, please contact:

Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]

Morwenna Darby, 0207 375 6124, [email protected] 

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children. As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK.

For more information please visit unicef.org.uk

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