Former Clean Bandit star calls for action over toxic air in London

Musician Love Ssega today called for tough action to combat the dangers of toxic air for ethnic minority communities as he released an EP inspired by the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah.

The former Clean Bandit frontman joined demands for a clean air charter – known as Ella’s Law - in memory of the nine-year-old girl from Lewisham whose death was partly caused by pollution.

The singer said “much tougher legally binding pollution limits based on WHO guidelines”, should be set.

The coroner in Ella’s inquest yesterday said the measure would prevent future deaths.

Ssega, who also comes from Lewisham, said: “The evidence clearly shows a direct link between black neighbourhoods and health problems associated with high levels of toxic air.

“It’s appalling that a beautiful nine-year-old girl had to die before action has been taken on tackling the scourge of toxic air in poor Black neighbourhoods.”

The singer today released an art project including a new song - Our World (Fighting for Air) and a 16-page comic climate manifesto to coincide with World Earth Day.

The multi-art project was commissioned by Season for Change, a campaign group who have planned a host of UK-wide cultural events ahead of UN climate change conference, held in the UK in November.

Season for Change will also run a billboard campaign in London highlighting the impact of toxic air on Black communities.

Recent research from the Environmental Defense Fund Europe showed that London’s poorest areas and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities are hit hardest by toxic air.

Ssega added: “I grew up in the same area as Ella, I also went to a primary school near a Red Route her death affected me and the people of my community very deeply.

“I fully support calls to create Ella’s law which will mean firm action against toxic fumes from traffic near primary schools and more power in the hands of local authorities.”

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