MP and minister praise Vale air pollution dog and teen owner in campaign to lower testing height

A groundbreaking campaign by a teenage air pollution campaigner and his Labrador Baggy was praised by leading MPs in Westminster yesterday.
Baggy and Tom take their air pollution campaign to ParliamentBaggy and Tom take their air pollution campaign to Parliament
Baggy and Tom take their air pollution campaign to Parliament

Chesham and Amersham MP Dame Cheryl Gillan praised the campaign by Tom Hunt and Baggy during a speech aimed at Business, Energy and Global Strategy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng.

Dame Cheryl said: "My 14 year-old constituent Tom Hunt was the first person to measure air pollution at ground level by collaborating with his Labrador dog Baggy, who's been wearing an air pollution monitor on her collar.

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"His father Matt owns an alternative energy company Bio Global Industries in my constituency and supported him, and the data showed that air pollution is two thirds higher closer to the ground.

"Will the Secretary of State join me in commending Tom and Baggy on this really enterprising research, and look at recommending to manufacturers a greater emphasis on producing higher buggies. strollers and pushchairs that will help keep young children further away from the concentrated air pollution that can be found closer to the ground?"

The Minister responded by commending Tom and Baggy for their 'pioneering work' and said that air quality and improving emissions go 'hand in hand'.

He then went on to outline the ways in which the Government is supporting the greater use of electric vehicles, including funding for more charging infrastructure.

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Tom and Baggy's story made national and international news at the start of the year, and the pair are calling for air pollution to be tested by the government at a lower height, so that a fuller picture of air pollution in the UK can be known.

Since starting their campaign the pair have started testing using Atmotube Pro monitors, which measure at Government standards, meaning that their findings cannot be ignored.

During lockdown Tom, who lives near Wendover, has focussed on indoor air pollution, testing inside the home in a bid to help people better understand what habits and products might be affecting their lungs.

His book, Baggy and Me: An Indoor Air Pollution Survival Guide is out now.

To find out more about Tom and Baggy's campaign go to https://www.facebook.com/Bagheera-Hunt-105652317543402