THE government must urgently tackle the disproportionate impact of air pollution on marginalised groups and low-income families, campaigners have said.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer today, campaign group Enact Equality has called for “decisive and immediate action to confront one of the most urgent, yet persistently under-reported justice issues” in Britain.

They wrote: “This is not just an environmental issue. It is a racial justice issue. It is a social justice issue. And it is a public health emergency.”

Citing research from the University of York, the group pointed to stark disparities in exposure, with the most deprived people in England more likely to live in areas with the highest levels of toxic air.

Enact Equality, which has secured backing from dozens of MPs and peers, called for greater investment in green transport, expanded access to nature and green spaces, stronger legal protections, and clearer air quality targets.

Chief executive L’myah Sherae called for a meeting with Sir Keir to discuss how environmental policy can better reflect the lived experiences of marginalised communities.

She said: “People of colour and low-income communities are paying the highest price for toxic air — with their health, their futures and their lives.

“The government must act, and we are ready to work with them to drive that change.”

Labour MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill Bell Ribeiro-Addy said: “Air pollution is yet another example of how inequality plays out in our everyday lives.

“It’s no coincidence that black and brown communities, low-income families, and front-line workers are the ones most exposed to toxic air.

“The government must act — not just with words but real investment in clean transport, green spaces, and fairer policies that protect those most affected.”

And Brighton Pavilion Green MP Sian Berry said: “Air pollution is a social justice issue. It hits hardest in communities who have done the least to cause it.

“The government must commit to these clear and reasonable demands for cleaner transport, greener spaces and stronger protections.”

A government spokesperson said it is committed to tackling air pollution across Britain, adding: “We have already provided £575 million to support local authorities to improve air quality, and launched a rapid review of plans to deliver our legally binding targets on air quality.”