I welcome this statement by the Minister this afternoon. Air pollution is one of the biggest issues of our time, and a significant public health issue. Throughout the world, we're not only warming the atmosphere as a result of greenhouse gas emissions, but we're also damaging our most-needed lifeline: the air that we breathe.

In Newport West, areas like Caerleon, which, from its historic significance, has narrow roads, an increasing population and poor public transport options—that creates a perfect storm of air pollution. In Newport, we also have the M4 running through the heart, which is in close proximity to houses and schools, and where idling traffic regularly sits. And I'm glad that you've already mentioned that this will be on the agenda of the Burns commission. Newport City Council have worked hard to bring forward proposals to improve air quality in our city, but there is still much more that can be done.

Action to reduce traffic near our schools is a must. Last week, pupils from Maesglas Primary School in my constituency held a climate change protest along a busy road near their school, calling for change. And it's our duty to listen and to respond to these calls.

Small measures can help. For example, idling traffic is often the biggest contributor of air pollution outside schools. Just a minute of an idling engine can fill 150 balloons with exhaust fumes. So, for those who absolutely have to drive at that moment, encouraging them to switch off their engines when they're parked up will help reduce air pollution.

Another relatively simple measure that can make a huge difference is tree planting. Urban trees are particularly effective at absorbing carbon dioxide, with one study showing that urban green zones absorb as much carbon dioxide as rainforests. We know the ambition of the Welsh Government on planting trees, but more can and must be done, quicker and faster. For many schools, there are no trees or hedges as a barrier to the road. Measures like that could help with pollution levels, and help to disperse fumes. Could the Minister outline what plans the Welsh Government has to work with schools and community groups to encourage them to plant more appropriate trees within their grounds?

And I’m also very pleased to see that this consultation will review the powers local authorities have to tackle emissions from indoor burning of fossil fuels, such as wood and coal. Indoor pollution is a significant issue, and something that's very often overlooked. And I'd also like to welcome the inclusion in the consultation of bonfires and fireworks, and the contribution they make to levels of harmful emissions.

Finally, the 2019 Welsh index of multiple deprivation has shown that areas of poor deprivation also have poor levels of air quality. There are pockets in my constituency that are amongst the most deprived in Wales. How will the Minister be working with her colleagues across Welsh Government to address this inequality?