• I HAVE spent my career working for environmental NGOs and children’s charities. As a result, I am furious at the air pollution levels in London. We are risking the health of our most vulnerable by not tackling this issue – 9,500 Londoners died prematurely due to air pollution in 2010 and we are more aware of the problem than ever. The prime culprit in this scandal is the diesel engine.

That is why it is so infuriating to see local campaigners hijack this vital issue for their own ends. Despite the wishes of some campaigners who live around Highbury Fields, barbecues are not a serious cause of our air pollution crisis.

Air pollution campaigners from Client Earth to Greenpeace would never support attacking families enjoying and using public space at the expense of focusing on the big transport infrastructure solutions we need.

Sadly, this affluent and fortunate group are trying to abuse the air pollution crisis because their real reason for opposing barbecues is indefensible – they don’t want people in their backyard. I note many of these anti-barbecue campaigners also opposed the closing of road use around Highbury roundabout which would benefit cyclists and make a real impact on local air pollution.

To take advantage of one of the greatest threats to London lives for selfish reasons is shameful. Caroline Russell should not allow herself to be co-opted by this group and instead focus on the real issues that will resolve air pollution.

ALASTAIR HARPER
N5