In a landmark ruling last month, assistant coroner Philip Barlow said that excessive air pollution had contributed to Ella’s death in 2013. It was the first death to have air pollution listed as a cause.
Her mother Rosamund wrote an open letter before a debate over the Environment Bill in the Commons yesterday.
She said that the right to breathe clean air – dubbed Ella’s Law – should apply to everyone by virtue of their being human.
She added: “It means that the Government should support the two amendments tabled when the Environment
“Namely, that WHO [World Health Organisation] air quality limits should not only be included in the Bill, but made legally enforceable. Second, that the Government becomes responsible for indoor air quality, notably in public buildings and schools.”
In a separate letter to MPs, she urged them to back an amendment that would make clean air targets legally binding and enforceable. Rosamund added: “Had WHO air pollution limits been in place and enforced… according to the coroner…[Ella] would still be here today.”
Ella developed a rare form of asthma while living in Catford, south London, 30 yards from the busy South Circular Road.
