Hughes: 24,000 Brits die prematurely each year due to air pollution

11.05.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 20th May 2009

At least 24,000 people in Britain are dying prematurely due to air pollution every year, research by the Liberal Democrats based on official EU reports has revealed.

Analysis of an EU case study, released today by the Liberal Democrats, shows that at least 4,400 Londoners are dying prematurely each year from air pollution - four times greater than previously admitted by the Mayor of London.

With the UK expected to be in breach of European air quality targets for years to come, tens of thousands will die prematurely each year or have their health seriously affected.

Liberal Democrats want the UK to fully comply with air quality laws in time for the 2012 Olympics.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Energy and Climate Change Secretary, Simon Hughes said:

"Air pollution is a silent killer. Every year, thousands of people across Britain are having their lives cut short because our Government is dragging its heels on cleaning up the air we breathe."

"Meeting European targets on air pollution is not optional - it's a matter of life or death."

"It is high time Britain cleaned up its act."