When the evidence is clear but official guidance hasn’t caught up, we write to the people who can change it, and we ask experts to put their names to it too. These are our open letters.
September 2026 · Clean air
Wildfire smoke and air pollution: guidance that says what actually protects people
To: The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and The Rt Hon Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Sent on 3rd September 2026.
Signed by twenty clinicians, scientists and specialists in air quality, occupational health and building design, including Professor Trisha Greenhalgh, Professor Sheena Cruickshank, Professor Lidia Morawska and Professor Robert McLeod.
After the first national Emergency Alert for wildfire risk, UK guidance warned that surgical masks may not protect against smoke, but never said what does. We asked the Government to update public guidance so that it:
- names indoor air filtration (HEPA, with activated carbon for gases) as a recommended measure during smoke and high pollution;
- says that close-fitting FFP2 or FFP3 respirators can protect people who must go outside;
- recognises more of the groups at higher risk, in line with international guidance;
- brings this advice together on one clearly signposted page.
November 2024 · Vaccines
Keep Covid vaccines available to Clinically Vulnerable people
To: the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the UK Government.
Co-signed by leading experts, scientists and clinicians.
We urged them to keep Covid vaccine access for all Clinically Vulnerable people, warning that narrowing eligibility “effectively excludes millions of Clinically Vulnerable people who are at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and sequelae, from essential protection.” We pointed out that NICE’s own antiviral guidance still recognises these groups as higher-risk, and that paying privately would leave many unprotected.
Letters we’ve supported
We also add CVF’s name to open letters written by others when they speak up for Clinically Vulnerable people.
December 2025 · Schools · Written by Safe Air Schools UK
Urgent action on classroom air quality to protect children and teachers
To: the education ministers of all four UK nations: Bridget Phillipson (England), Lynne Neagle MS (Wales), Paul Givan MLA (Northern Ireland) and Jenny Gilruth MSP (Scotland).
CVF signed as a supporting organisation, alongside Airborne Allergy Action, Clean Air Advocacy Ireland, GO AQS, Long Covid Advocacy and HouseFresh, and experts including Distinguished Professor Jose-Luis Jimenez. The letter calls for action on classroom air quality, including funding for air filtration in schools and an end to 100% attendance awards, which disadvantage pupils at higher risk.
2025 · Schools · Written by Rebecca Davis, Parents and Allies for Clean Indoor Air in Schools
Clean indoor air in Northern Ireland’s schools
To: the Minister of Education for Northern Ireland and the Education Authority.
CVF signed this letter and helped to find expert supporters. It calls for an awareness campaign on clean indoor air for schools, parents and pupils, more indoor air quality monitors with transparent reporting, and air cleaners in school buildings.
Want to write your own? Our template letters make it easy to write to your MP or a public service.
Are you a clinician, scientist or specialist who would like to support future letters? Get in touch.