Lord Khan has asked Defra for devolved powers to prohibit domestic wood-burning stoves across London, proposing area-specific zero-emission zones and new limits on when burning may occur. An official report found that fine particulate emissions from domestic combustion rose by more than 25% between 2018 and 2024, driven largely by indoor wood burning. Critics argue the measures would intrude on private life, and some high-profile public-health claims about local pollution spikes have been disputed. Defra is reviewing the submission and will update its consultation in due course.
Khan Seeks Powers To Ban Wood Burners Across London In Clean-Air Push
Lord Khan has already implemented a string of controversial initiatives to improve air quality in London - Gustavo Valiente/Getty Images
The Mayor of London, Lord Khan, has formally asked the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for devolved powers to restrict or ban domestic wood-burning stoves across the capital as part of a wider effort to improve air quality.
What Is Being Proposed
Lord Khan's submission calls for area-specific controls — including new zero-emission zones — and tighter limits on when domestic burning can take place, such as restrictions on bonfires and the use of open fires and stoves in densely populated areas.
Government Work And Evidence
Defra is already exploring measures such as cigarette-style health warnings for wood burners. An official report cited in the submission found that fine particulate emissions from domestic solid-fuel combustion rose by more than a quarter between 2018 and 2024, with much of the increase attributed to households burning wood indoors. The same report noted that overall emissions remain far lower than in the 1990s, however.
The banned 'cosy killer' posters implied wood burners were to blame for increased pollution near schools
Supporters' Case
Lord Khan argues that tougher, devolved powers are needed in London because high population density and existing pollution levels mean even modest increases in solid-fuel burning can cause disproportionate harm to health. His team says current rules — which allow dry logs in efficient stoves in many smoke-control areas — limit local authorities' ability to cut particulate emissions.
Opposition And Public Reaction
Critics say the proposals risk overreaching into private life. Sir James Cleverly MP, who plans to contest the 2028 mayoral election, warned that the measures would amount to intrusive regulation of people's homes and gardens.
'Londoners need a mayor who will put policing our streets before policing our homes and gardens, prioritising getting things built over having a row with people about log burners,' Sir James Cleverly said. 'Instead of finding new ways to tie up London and Londoners in new red tape and bans, we need to unshackle London's potential.'
Controversies Around The Evidence
Some public-health claims have been challenged. In June the Advertising Standards Authority upheld a complaint against a Brighton and Hove Council poster campaign that implied wood burners were responsible for a 78% rise in emissions near four primary schools; the ASA said the claim was not adequately substantiated. The council accepted the ruling but said it would continue to raise awareness about domestic burning and air quality.
Next Steps
Defra is considering Lord Khan's submission and is expected to publish an update to its consultation in the coming months. The Mayor's office was approached for comment.
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