UK government accused of 'criminal neglect' over smog deaths
A ten-day episode of smog in the UK in 2014 led to 300 deaths and 1,600 hospital admissions for heart and breathing problems, according to a report by Public Health England and the Met Office. At the time, the smog was blamed on “Saharan dust,” but was subsequently found to have resulted from ammonia fertiliser fumes from continental Europe mixing with pollution in the UK. During the episode, levels of toxic particles in the air were three times higher than limits recommended by the World Health Organisation. Baroness Jones, who obtained the figures, accused the government of “criminal neglect”.
A killer smog which covered Britain in 2014 caused the deaths of 300 people, a report has revealed.

The study also found the weather forced 1,600 people to be admitted to hospital with breathing or heart problems when it descended over ten days in March and April three years ago.

At the time the government said the weather had been caused by 'Saharan dust', but it was later revealed as being primarily caused by ammonia fertiliser from farms in Europe.

A new report has revealed the impact it had on health when it descended over ten days during March and April three years ago

The smog also caused 1,600 people to be admitted to hospital with breathing or heart problems

Scientists said the water vapour from the fertliser mixed with vehicle and factory pollution from Britain.

The number of toxic particles in the air rose to a level more than three times the limit advised by the World Health Organisation. The 300 deaths caused was 300 higher than normal number over the same period.

Gary Fuller, senior lecturer in air quality measurement at King's College London highlighted the Great Smog of London of 1952 which killed thousands of people and forced the government, led by Winston Churchill, to promote cleaner burning fuels and curb power station emissions.

Mr Fuller said the smog of 2014 could result in a similar level of response by today's government.

A study by Public Health England and the Met Office discovered that over the smog period there were 600 premature deaths due to air pollution — 300 more than normal.

Scientists said the water vapour from the fertliser mixed with vehicle and factory pollution from Britain

The figures compiled by Public Health England and the Met Office were obtained by Green Party peer, Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb.

She said more action should have been taken and highlighted tweets the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs sent out at the time of the 2014 smog. They warned that even fit and healthy people should reduce exercise during the smog.

Lady Jones told The Times: 'It is staggering that an extra 30 people a day can die during an air pollution episode, but this government thinks that an anodyne tweet to 5,000 followers is sufficient response.

'It is criminal neglect by a government that has no desire to protect the health of its citizens and it seems that its sole aim is to downplay the whole thing.'

Anna Jones, clean air campaigner at Greenpeace, called the situation a 'crisis' which needed swift action.