UK government shirking air quality duties, says minister

The government is not living up to its responsibilities in ensuring the city of London has the cleanest air possible, a minister has claimed.

Green MEP for London Jean Lambert's comments come in response to the government's attempts to work around guidelines set by the European Union (EU) on clean air, the Green Party's website reported.

Speaking on Car Free Day, Ms Lambert said; "The theme for this year is clean air for all, so it's a shame that the Government continues to fail Londoners by allowing our air quality to fall below internationally agreed standards."

She added that it is "outrageous" that Labour is applying to the EU to delay its intentions to meet the international guidelines.

Car free day is an international scheme in which hundreds of the world's cities participate in order to raise awareness of alternative ways to commute and promote greener travel ideas.