A Lewisham MP has urged the Government to include an air quality target in a new environmental bill.

The Environment Bill, which is due to go before committee later this year, will make “provision about targets, plans and policies for improving the natural environment”.

Labour's Ellie Reeves drew attention to the number of deaths linked to air pollution, an issue which has particularly affected Lewisham, where levels are reportedly six times higher than World Health Organisation guidelines.

The Lewisham West and Penge MP, said: "Prior to Covid-19, polluted air was contributing to over 40,000 premature deaths each year.

"If we are to reduce this awful statistic we must set enforceable targets to bring down air pollution below harmful levels.

"So does the minister agree with me that the Government's Environment Bill must have air quality targets that follow WHO guidance and has an attainment deadline of 2030 or before?"

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow replied that the Government is "committed to ambitious action on this pollutant that does have the most significant impact on health".

She added: "The Government is committed to an evidence-based policy on this and we will consider the WHO guideline levels when setting our targets.

"But it is absolutely imperative that we take all the right advice from all of those who are working on this before we commit exactly to what we're going to do and how we're going to do it."