A Bill to establish the right to breathe clean air; to require the Secretary of State to achieve and maintain clean air in England; to make provision about environmental targets and minimum standards in relation to clean air; to make provision about the powers, duties and functions of public bodies in England in relation to air pollution; to give the Office for Environmental Protection additional powers and duties related to clean air; to require the Secretary of State to comply with the United Nations Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution; to require the Secretary of State and public authorities to apply specified environmental principles in carrying out their duties under this Act; and for connected purposes.
This bill would create a legal right for people in England to breathe clean air and require the government to achieve and maintain that level of air quality. It would set binding targets and minimum standards for air pollutants, require public bodies to act to reduce pollution, and empower the regulator to enforce these rules. It also requires compliance with an international air pollution treaty and the application of environmental principles when public bodies carry out their duties.
The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it would move to committee stage for detailed examination, followed by further readings and passage to the Lords.
Generated 21 February 2026
The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is scheduled to take place on Friday 27 March 2026, although the House of Commons is not expected to be sitting on that date.
This is a Private Members' Bill and was introduced to Parliament on Tuesday 1 July under the Ten Minute Rule.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.