The Government has confirmed that Rory Stewart, minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will tackle plans to meet air quality targets in the UK as part of his new position.
Stewart, who is MP for Penrith and The Border, replaces Lib Dem MP Dan Rogerson and will be responsible for delivering a plan to reduce emissions across the UK’s cities before the end of this year, which could introduce changes to taxation and see congestion charge zones in more UK cities.
The Government was ordered by the Supreme Court earlier this year to submit its plans to reduce air pollution across the UK to the European Union by 31 December.
Defra’s strategy will need to include drastic action to reduce NOx emissions levels, which many experts blame on diesel vehicles.
Liz Truss will continue as secretary of state for the environment, while George Eustice was promoted within Defra to minister of state.
