Mum of nine-year-old who died from air pollution told 'sorry'

Government ministers have issued an apology to the mother of a schoolgirl who tragically died from an asthma attack linked to air pollution, as they reached a settlement in a legal case concerning her death. Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, nine, from south-east London, died following an asthma attack in February 2013 after being exposed to high levels of air pollution.

In a groundbreaking coroner’s inquest in 2020, Ella, who lived just 25 metres from the heavily trafficked South Circular Road in Lewisham, was officially recognised as the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death. This marked the end of a determined campaign by Ella’s mother, Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, to have the impact of toxic air on her daughter's health acknowledged.

Representing her late daughter’s estate, Ms Adoo-Kissi-Debrah brought a lawsuit against the Environment Department (Defra), the Department for Transport, and the Department for Health and Social Care, seeking compensation for Ella’s "illness and premature death". The claim has been settled out of court by the three Government departments for an undisclosed amount, ahead of what would have been a High Court trial.

A statement given to Ms Adoo-Kissi-Debrah from the ministers of the three departments said that the Government is "truly sorry for your loss". It also offered heartfelt condolences to her, Ella’s siblings, and all who knew the youngster.

The ministers' statement recognised that "no child should suffer as Ella did". It added: "To lose a loved one at such a young age is an immeasurable loss.

"The tireless work undertaken by Ella’s family and friends over the years, in particular by you, her mother, has shone a much-needed spotlight on the dangers posed by air pollution."

"Air pollution is a public health issue that this Government is committed to tackling," the statement read, acknowledging Ms Adoo-Kissi-Debrah's role in ensuring the matter remains a priority for the Government. As the letter was made public, Ms Adoo-Kissi-Debrah and Ella’s siblings had a meeting with Environment Minister Emma Hardy at the Defra offices in London.

This encounter forms part of a settlement of a civil claim by law firm Hodge Jones & Allen on behalf of Ella’s estate against three government departments for violating Ella’s Human Rights Act entitlements, including her right to life.