The Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) award-winning London events venue, RCP London Events, was proud to host the Mayor of London’s second Clean Air and Health Summit, bringing together senior leaders across government, health and the environment to drive further action on tackling air pollution.

As one of the UK’s oldest and most influential medical charities, the RCP is committed to improving public health and ensuring clinicians, researchers and policymakers can come together to address the most pressing challenges. The Summit followed the RCP’s recent publication of a major new report, A breath of fresh air: responding to the health challenges of modern air pollution, which examines the effects of air pollution on health throughout the life course. The report highlights new evidence gathered over the last decade showing that air pollution is linked to almost every organ in the body and contributes to an estimated 30,000 deaths per year in the UK, with an economic cost of up to £50 billion. It reveals growing concerns about indoor air quality, shows that there is no safe level of air pollution and calls on the UK government to recognise air quality as a key public health issue, taking increasingly ambitious action to reduce exposure. The report sets out 19 recommendations targeted at governments, regulators, industry, the NHS and health professionals.

Hosted in the Royal College of Physicians’ historical Dorchester Library, The Clean Air and Health Summit brought together influential voices including campaigner Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE, Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Public Health Director for London, and Emma Hardy MP, Minister for Water and Flooding at DEFRA. Leaders reviewed progress made since the inaugural 2022 Summit, held at RCP London Events, following the landmark inquest into the death of nine-year-old Ella Roberta Adoo-Kissi-Debrah and discussed the further collective action needed to protect public health.

Natacha Allen, Head of Commercial Events at RCP London Events, said: “We are honoured to host a Summit that speaks directly to the core mission of the Royal College of Physicians. As a major medical charity, the RCP is deeply committed to improving public health and our recently published report makes clear just how urgent the air pollution crisis has become. Providing a space where experts and policymakers can meet and shape solutions is a crucial part of our contribution. We are proud that RCP London Events can support conversations that have the potential to save lives and build a healthier future for our population.”