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The Ulez and the fight for clean air
Ian Sinclair spoke to respiratory specialist DR LAURA-JANE SMITH about how the impact of air pollution on our health is badly underestimated and the kind of legislation needed across Britain to fight it
People take part in a protest against the proposed ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) expansion in Orpington, London, August 19, 2023

FOLOWING the Tory win in the Uxbridge by-election last month, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer pressured London Mayor Sadiq Khan to pause the rollout of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (Ulez) to the outer boroughs of the capital city.

In response, over 400 doctors wrote to Khan and Starmer, urging the mayor to stand firm in his commitment to expanding the Ulez, noting “the devastating health consequences of air pollution.”

Dr Laura-Jane Smith, a consultant in respiratory medicine at King’s College Hospital in London and co-organiser of the letter, tells Ian Sinclair about the deadly impact of air pollution, and how lots more action is needed to tackle the problem.

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