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Air Pollution: Standards

Asked by Tim FarronLiberal DemocratDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 12 February 2026UIN 110731

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the UK's performance in comparison with international counterparts in setting standards for air quality in (a) ambient air and (b) indoor air.

Answered by Emma Hardy

We maintain a continued dialogue on ambient air quality with international partners and technical expert groups to inform our air quality policy, including through the ongoing revision of the 2012 amended Gothenburg Protocol and its obligations.

The UK has a robust and comprehensive framework in place, which has driven sustained reductions in air pollution and continues to hold us to account. We remain committed to continuous improvement and will keep our targets under review.

Defra does not have responsibility for setting standards for indoor air quality.

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