Clean Air for Kids in the House of Lords

Baroness Linforth of Redland spoke about the Clean Air for Kids campaign in the House of Lords during the King’s Speech Humble Address (Health) Debate on 20th May.

Baroness Linforth explained how the simple solution of air filters in all classrooms would quickly pay for itself many times over in the savings from supply teacher budgets. She highlighted that the problem is that very few schools, local education authorities and academy trusts can afford the upfront cost of installation, but that the Government easily could.

She said that with political leadership, the lives of schoolchildren, their teachers and their families could be transformed by improving the quality of indoor air. She said that in addition, a programme of installing air filters to reduce the spread of sickness in schools will stop others becoming sick too, and would improve productivity, help the economy and drive growth, while protecting the NHS and taking the pressure off benefits budgets. It would have huge well-being outcomes, which in themselves would improve society.

You can watch Baroness Linforth’s speech (it’s just over 4 minutes long) above and read it in the Hansard record below.