Another step has been taken towards government ratification of an international agreement to reduce air pollution.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has now agreed the Gothenburg Protocol’s 2012 amendments and laid them before parliament with an explanatory memorandum.

The amendments set ambitious international targets for the reduction of damaging air pollutants and introduce stricter limit values for emissions from new and existing major stationary sources.

Gove said: “Air pollution remains a significant threat to public health and we are committed to tackling its causes and improving air quality.

“This is why we are signing up to the amended Gothenburg Protocol and will shortly build on our £3.5bn plan to tackle roadside emissions by publishing a comprehensive Clean Air Strategy.”

Read more on the GOV.UK website.