Responding to an inquest ruling confirming that air pollution was a factor in the death of nine-year-old, Ella Kissi-Debrah in 2013, Labour’s London Assembly Environment Spokesperson, Leonie Cooper AM, said:
“It’s heart-breaking, but not surprising, to finally hear that air pollution has been ruled to have contributed to the tragic death of nine-year-old, Ella Kissi-Debrah. Studies have shown that children are especially affected, as toxic air affects their developing lungs so much.
“Since 2016, City Hall has made tackling air pollution a key priority, by pushing ahead with the T-Charge, rolling out hundreds of electric buses, alongside introducing the ULEZ and other emissions zones.
“We have already seen the positive impact from these measures, but the stark fact is that they won’t bring Ella back. Stringent action should have been taken before 2016, for example, when the WHO declared diesel to be a carcinogen in 2012.
“We must now continue to do all we can to reduce the level of filthy particles and gases in our air to protect children and the most vulnerable Londoners.”
ENDS