Public Health England's report estimates that in the North West 3427 deaths in 2010 (5.1% of all deaths) were attributable to air pollution. Across the UK it is estimated that 25,002 people died because of air pollution in 2010. Greater Manchester is currently breaking the safe limits on air pollution which are set by the European Union. Earlier this year the European Commission launched legal proceedings against the UK.
Jenny Jones, who has been a fierce critic of London Mayor, Boris Johnson’s failure to tackle air pollution in the capital, said: “These shocking new statistics, which show that hundreds of people in Manchester, and thousands of people across the UK, are dying because of air pollution, make it clear that urgent action is needed to clean up our air. Young children, those who have asthma and elderly people are all at greater risk of health problems caused by air pollution"
She continued: “We can’t allow this invisible public health crisis to continue. Now that these statistics have revealed the high numbers of deaths caused by air pollution, it is time for government ministers and local councils in Greater Manchester to take this issue seriously and respond with urgent action to protect people’s health.”
Laura Bannister, the North West Green Party’s European election candidate, lives in Manchester. She said: “With one in twenty deaths in Manchester caused by air pollution it is abundantly clear that bold action from local councils is needed. We need more public transport options and safer streets for cyclists and pedestrians to increase the numbers of people cycling and walking in our city.”
