Government ministers apologise to Rosamund over Ella’s death

On 31st October 2024, Rosamund, along with Ella’s siblings, met with Emma Hardy MP, Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The meeting formed part of the settlement of a civil claim brought by law firm Hodge Jones & Allen of Ella’s estate against the three government departments for breaches of Ella’s rights under the Human Rights Act, including her right to life.

A statement issued to her on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Department for Transport (DoT) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said:

“You have advanced your claim with great dignity and explained your experience of the tragedy and the impact it had on you and your family. Ella’s suffering and death were a tragedy. On behalf of the Government departments who were party to the claim, we again take this opportunity to say we are truly sorry for your loss and to express our sincerest condolences to you as Ella’s mother, to her siblings, and to everyone who knew her. To lose a loved one at such a young age is an immeasurable loss”.

“Your words, both in this litigation and in your public campaigning, have made a considerable impact. You have spoken eloquently about Ella’s life, her suffering and death, your experiences throughout the inquest and the course of the litigation, and your efforts campaigning for better air quality. You have explained how you, and those closest to you, were affected by your experiences, and we wish to acknowledge the impact these experiences had on you and all those who knew Ella.”

During the meeting, Rosamund reaffirmed her commitment to hold the government to account to bring in improved legislation to bring the UK in line with WHO air quality guidelines such as a new Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill known as ‘Ella’s Law’. Rosamund awaits a response to her request to meet with the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, to discuss the health implications of air pollution.