The news that the Lib Dem Leader of the Council has today begged the Secretary of State for support to fund alternative initiatives to reduce air pollution in the city has resulted in heavy criticism.

In the last year, the Lib Dem council leader has presided over a disastrous increase in dangerous nitrous dioxide (NO2). The most recent reading showing that 16 areas in Portsmouth were above the ‘safe’ level last year – up from four in 2017.

In response to this fact, Stephen Morgan MP has said:

“It seems highly coincidental that Cllr. Gerald Vernon-Jackson’s letter begging for help from the government comes on the same day that Labour has launched an amendment calling for the city to declare a climate change emergency. 

This kind of reactionary behaviour is not the best way to combat an issue as pressing as air pollution and climate change. Portsmouth people will see through this ‘dog ate my homework’ approach to one of the biggest issues our city faces. Portsmouth has been let down.”

Reports suggest that the council is currently on the brink of defying Ministerial Directives and if they cannot prove to the government that they are able to improve air quality to the same effect as a clean air zone, a mandatory clean air zone could be imposed whereby drivers are forced to pay for access to the city.

The Portsmouth MP has said:

“It is highly unjust that the residents of Portsmouth and those visiting the city may be forced to pay the price for the council’s lack of ambition. 

There have been countless opportunities for the council to take greater action to address the matter, leaving it until the last minute and then begging for help does not display the sort of leadership skills required to deal with the environmental issues that our city faces.

We in Portsmouth are a coastal community, this means that we will be disproportionately affected by climate change, we need to all be asking the question, why isn’t the council giving this issue the time and effort it deserves?”

The only significant action taken by the Leader of the Council to date has been today to ask the Government to intervene and act on his behalf, this has included a request to implement free bus travel.

On the matter, Mr, Morgan added:

“Today, working with residents and the wider community Portsmouth Labour tabled a motion declaring a climate change emergency in our city. 

This is a serious response to a serious problem. We will need to follow suit of other progressive local authorities such as Bristol and work together to implement this and take action”

Councillor George Fielding Labour’s environment spokesperson added;

“Another example of this administration sleeping on the job and only taking action when on the brink of being forced to do so. The Leader’s letter to the Secretary of State is full of ideas we would all want to put in place but asking this government to fund such things really is the stuff of unicorns”.