Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, in the light of the recent judgment <i>ClientEarth (No 2) vs SSEFRA</i> ordering the Government to draw up an improved air quality plan, whether they will include in the new plan all 37 zones within the UK that have illegal levels of air pollution, instead of the eight that were previously earmarked.

Improving air quality is a priority for this Government and we are determined to cut harmful emissions.

The Government is considering next steps in light of both the High Court judgment and recent updates in data on emissions from diesel vehicles and we will set out further measures next year.

Our plans, which include national and local measures for all 38 zones and Clean Air Zones in the areas of greatest challenge, have always followed the best available evidence and we have always been clear that we are ready to update them if necessary. We can now confirm a timetable for updating our plans next year and further improving the nation’s air quality. We will consult on a revised air quality plan by 24 April 2017 and publish a final plan by 31 July 2017.