In a scathing speech in Parliament, Keighley and Ilkley’s MP Robbie Moore has condemned the long-standing decision by Bradford Council to green-light the proposed Aire Valley Incinerator in 2016— a decision Mr Moore says says poses a grave threat to public health and the local environment.
It comes after recent independent studies from Europe have revealed alarming levels of toxic pollutants—including dioxins, PFAS, and heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic—accumulating in and around waste incinerators.
These pollutants have been detected in soil, water, vegetation, and even food in areas surrounding existing facilities.
Such contamination is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups, notably children, due to their increased sensitivity to toxic exposures.
Speaking on incineration, Mr Moore said:
“This is exactly what local campaigners have been warning about for far too long. Despite Labour’s pre-election promises to end incineration, Labour Ministers are now pushing through plans to construct more than 40 incinerators across the country. It is an unacceptable contradiction that a government which claimed to protect our future is now enabling decisions that will condemn communities to long-term environmental harm. The Aire Valley Incinerator should never be built.”
The MP concluded by urging the Government to commit to a clear, long-term strategy that phases out incineration and reinforces efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
He called on ministers to deliver on their promises to protect local air quality and ensure the safety of our communities.
Mr Moore said:
“The time for incinerators is over. It is therefore extremely shocking that despite promising an “end to incineration” prior to the general election, Labour Ministers are instead pushing through plans to build a new generation of more 40 incinerators across our country.
My view remains - the Aire Valley Incinerator should never be built - and the government should bring forward an immediate stop to this.
