The Bill would give citizens the right to breathe clean air, whether at work, home or in public spaces by setting new ambitious clean air targets that at least match the EU’s.

Geraint Davies, Swansea West MP, who published the Bill, said: “Previous  government estimates show that air pollution costs the economy £20 billion each year, but after Covid-19, and with the threat of future pandemics, the real cost is far greater, so this Bill should be front and centre of the government’s King’s Speech and Budget to follow.”

“It’s vital we legislate for more ambitious clean air targets – which are necessary to deliver our climate change targets and to trigger innovation that helps jobs and exports.”

The Bill includes provisions to improve both indoor indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Mr Davies, added: “Cleaning up our air is a strategic benefit and not a cost for our health system, our productivity and our environmental sustainability.”

 “62,000 early deaths per year are caused by current levels of air pollution. On top of that the Covid death rate is 8 to 10 per cent higher in areas with higher pollution. People are less resilient and more likely to contract Covid in areas with higher pollution.

“Cleaner air means a more heathy and resilient population with fewer victims of long Covid, higher productivity and better economic growth.

“The bill would ensure people are told about the effects of air pollution and its level locally so they can make informed choices between  20 mph speed restrictions, pollution charges etc and lower life expectancy, higher teenage  anxiety and premature dementia in their neighbourhood from staying more polluted.

The Bill includes provisions for the government to :

1 Right to breathe clean air

2 Targets for reduction of indoor and outdoor air pollution

3 Air quality: minimum standards

4 Indoor air quality: report and taskforce

5 Air quality: monitoring

6 Air pollution: strategy

7 Office for Environmental Protection: powers

8 Vehicles: reducing pollution

9 Prohibition of sale of new petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles

10 Penalties for stationary idling offences

11 Reducing emissions from transport

12 Maritime air pollution

13 Airport and aircraft air pollution

14 Public awareness

15 Restrictions on use of wood-burning stoves

16 Regulations

17 Financial provision

18 Extent, commencement and short title