Since returning to the backbenches, I have been pressing the government on toxic air pollution in Newcastle. Dangerous and illegal levels of air pollution are impacting the health of millions of people across the country. I am particularly concerned about the disproportionate effect of air pollution on the health of those living in the most deprived areas.

In my questioning I raised this point specifically and also asked the government to make available the average level of air pollution in Newcastle, what steps the government are taking to reduce it and their estimate of the number of deaths attributed to air pollution in Newcastle compared to the North East and England. You can follow the government’s response to my questions here: https://members.parliament.uk/member/523/writtenquestions?page=1#expand-1328120. I continue to believe that climate change and environmental pollution are the most important long-term issues we face and remain committed to pressing the government on the local impacts in addition to the national work I have done on this.