Smoke - the killer in the kitchen

Campaign postcards delivered to Hilary Benn

In February 2007 Practical Action delivered over 1,500 campaign postcards to the International Development Secretary, calling for the British government to mobilise international action to tackle indoor smoke. Hilary Benn has already responded to this call and in a letter to Practical Action's Chief Executive, he states:

'I very much welcome your campaign to raise awareness about the dangers posed by the widespread use of solid fuels in the home. And I do not underestimate the challenge we face ...

"Practical Action has been one of the main champions of this issue over the years, developing an excellent understanding of the causes, impacts and solutions to the problem. I urge you to continue this good work."

See a full copy of the International Development Secretary's response (PDF, 814k). As a result of the campaign, Hilary Benn has asked Practical Action to meet senior DFID officials to discuss the government's response to indoor air pollution.

Practical Action is continuing to lobby the government to do more. The 15th session of the UN's Commission on Sustainable Development offered an important opportunity for the international community to finally adopt policies to address the indoor air pollution, and we are calling for the British government to show leadership within the international community on this critical issue.

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