Thursday 6 July 2017

ClientEarth loses latest legal battle over air pollution plans

ClientEarth loses latest legal battle over air pollution plans

The UK Government won the latest High Court battle over the nation’s air pollution crisis.

Environmental lawyers ClientEarth had taken the government to court over its draft air quality proposals published in May, urging for a more ambitious plan.

The proposals were widely condemned by green groups, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan calling them “toothless and woefully inadequate".

However the High Court dismissed the claim the plans were unlawful and told ministers to publish their full proposals by the end of July.

ClientEarth CEO James Thornton said: “We are shocked that, on an issue which blights the lives of thousands across the country, the government is refusing to listen to the views of the people by ignoring 11,000 responses to their consultation. We hope that their final plan reflects the concerns of everyone affected by this public health crisis.

“We look forward to the final plan on 31st July. In our view, the judge made it very clear that the government must meet very specific criteria in order to avoid any future legal challenge. We feel this was a clear shot across the government’s bows.”

The environmental lawyers previously won legal challenges against the government.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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