This House of Lords Library briefing provides a summary of recent developments on the subject of air pollution in England, including the Government’s plan published on 5 May 2017, on the instruction of the High Court.
Air Pollution in England: Recent Developments (1MB PDF)
Poor air quality is estimated to cause approximately 40,000 premature deaths a year in the UK. The UK is bound by EU laws that regulate air pollution, in particular the 2008 ambient air quality directive 2008/50/EC. In recent years greater attention has been drawn to pollution levels in urban areas, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), the most common source of which are diesel engine road vehicles. A number of legal cases have been brought against the government, challenging their proposed plans to reduce emissions and the speed at which the plans will be implemented. This briefing summarises the provisions in the ‘Clean Air Zones Framework’, published on 5 May 2017, at the instruction of the High Court. The Framework provides guidance for local authorities in England when establishing both charging and non-charging zones, and sets out the permitted vehicle emissions standards. The briefing also summarises the reaction to the proposals, and the general election manifesto commitments made by the main political parties on the subject of air pollution.
Air Pollution in England: Recent Developments (1MB PDF)
The Nature’s Rights Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill sponsored by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party). The bill would recognise nature as a legal subject, granting it specific rights for protection and restoration. The bill would set out a legal framework for how this would operate, including an integrated rights framework and mechanisms for how nature’s rights would be implemented and enforced.
![Nature’s Rights Bill [HL]: HL Bill 7 of 2026–27](https://lordslibrary-parliament.studio24.dev/content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Environment-568x426.png)
Rural areas contribute a significant proportion of England’s economic output. The government has announced several policies intended to support growth in the rural economy, including farming. However, it has faced criticism for the delay in outlining its overall strategy for the agricultural sector. This briefing provides data on the rural economy and summarises government policy and stakeholder reaction
In recent years, electricity prices for both households and businesses have seen significant increases. This briefing sets out how electricity bills are calculated, how much on average they cost and how they compare internationally. It also provides commentary on why prices have been so high and gives an overview of government policy in this area.
