2025 Pollution, Waste & Air Award Nominees
About the Category
This category recognises UK politicians who have done the most to reduce pollution, better tackle waste and promote clean air. The ideal candidate will have gone above and beyond the role expected of them to promote policies which reduce pollution and tackle waste sustainably. Last year, this category was awarded to Sadiq Khan for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
The 2025 Pollution, Waste & Air Shortlist
Sir Sadiq Khan
Alberto Costa MP
Alberto Costa MP
Sir Sadiq Khan has been at the forefront of tackling air pollution in London. His Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scheme has had a significant impact, with data showing it has lowered air pollution most significantly in the London boroughs that initially opposed it.
Alberto Costa MP
Alberto Costa MP
Alberto Costa MP
Alberto Costa has taken legislative action on microplastics pollution through his Microplastics (Synthetic Textile Fibres) Bill (Bill 3878) introduced in October 2024. This legislation aims to tackle one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution: synthetic textile fibres released during washing. The bill would require all new washi
Alberto Costa has taken legislative action on microplastics pollution through his Microplastics (Synthetic Textile Fibres) Bill (Bill 3878) introduced in October 2024. This legislation aims to tackle one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution: synthetic textile fibres released during washing. The bill would require all new washing machines sold in the UK to be fitted with microfibre filters that can capture these plastic particles before they enter waterways.
Adam Jogee MP
Anneliese Midgley MP
Anneliese Midgley MP
Adam Jogee has been advocating for improved air quality and respiratory health. In November 2024, he led a Westminster Hall debate on respiratory health, where he highlighted the direct link between air pollution and respiratory diseases. He has advocated for expanding Clean Air Zones and increasing investment in air quality monitoring networks.
Anneliese Midgley MP
Anneliese Midgley MP
Anneliese Midgley MP
Anneliese Midgley has been engaged with pollution and waste management issues, particularly focusing on plastic pollution. In January 2025, she championed an expansion of the plastic bag charge to all retailers and supported the introduction of a tax on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content. Midgley has used her social med
Anneliese Midgley has been engaged with pollution and waste management issues, particularly focusing on plastic pollution. In January 2025, she championed an expansion of the plastic bag charge to all retailers and supported the introduction of a tax on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content. Midgley has used her social media platform to highlight environmental concerns and policy initiatives related to pollution and waste, including a recent campaign to reduce single-use plastics in Parliament. She has also advocated for stronger producer responsibility regulations, arguing that manufacturers should bear more of the cost of managing waste from their products, and has supported targets to eliminate avoidable plastic waste by 2042.