New log burner and wood stove rules on table if Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister

Rules for wood-burning stoves could be tightened to reduce smoke emissions as part of Labour's renewed environmental plan if Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister. The former Greater Manchester Mayor, who looks poised to succeed Sir Keir Starmer, has been urged to press ahead with new wood burner and log burner rules for UK households.

The plans, launched in December and unveiled as part of the revised environmental improvement plan on Monday, would reduce the environmental impact of domestic wood burning such as stoves and bonfires. Under the proposals, manufacturers of stoves that use solid fuel may have to phase them out or amend older models to ensure they meet new standards. Pollution limits may also be tightened in smoke control areas where restrictions on the types of fuel that can be burned in household fireplaces and stoves are in place.

The move comes as polling suggests strong public support for environmental action. More than 60% of people support net zero and climate action, numerous polls suggest. However, Joe Dromey, the general secretary of the Fabian Society, noted that this message does not seem to have got through to all sections of the party. "Quite a few people have been learning the wrong lessons from the very painful defeats in the local elections," he said.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: "Our environment faces real challenges with pollution in our waterways air quality that's too low in many areas and treasured species in decline."

Supporters have urged Burnham not to waver on net zero. Alasdair Johnstone from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit said in a message to Burnham: "The clean tech revolution is already driving clean reindustrialisation in areas such as the Humber and North East." He warned that any perception of wavering on net zero could be damaging, noting that many of the UK's main auto factories are already retooling for electric vehicles.

Robbie MacPherson, a Kennedy scholar at Harvard University and former head of the UK's all-party parliamentary group on climate, said Burnham's record shows he understands the importance of these issues and is willing to fight for them.