Air pollution now causes an estimated 29,000 deaths in the UK a year, almost as many as smoking.

Here in Southampton we have seen some of the highest levels of pollution in the UK, which have repeatedly been found to be in breach of EU health limits.

Local authorities have to have an action plan to reduce pollution but to really improve the quality of the air people breathe we also need internation-al action.

Pollution levels at any given time are only partly made up of what is being emitted local-ly. Many of the most harmful pollutants originate from elsewhere in the country or the continent.

That is why I am fighting for stricter, clearer national pollution limits so governments across Europe act to clean up our air.

This week the EU confirmed it will go ahead with a new air quality law following pressure from MEPs and campaigners.

It’s time for them to face up to the fact that the only way to tackle this silent killer and improve air quality is through EU-wide action.

CATHERINE BEARDER, Liberal Democrat MEP for South East England.