Ealing Central and Acton MP Dr Rupa Huq has called on the government to publish a clear timeline for its investigation into claims of unlawful “defeat devices” in diesel vehicles, as a major High Court case involving five carmakers resumes today (2 March 2026).
At a recent debate in Parliament, Dr Huq pressed ministers on allegations affecting vehicles made by Mercedes, Ford, Peugeot-Citroen, Renault and Nissan.
The issue has drawn comparisons with the Volkswagen Dieselgate scandal uncovered a decade ago, when the company admitted using software designed to manipulate emissions testing. Campaigners say the new case could be even bigger.
Dr Huq highlighted the health impact of air pollution, referencing the death of Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah, and warned of the harms linked to nitrogen oxide emissions.
Ealing Central and Acton is particularly affected, Dr Huq said, with major routes including the North Circular and the Westway running through the constituency.
Dr Huq said: “Clean air is not a luxury, it is essential. We would not force-feed a child dirty water, yet we expect them to breathe toxic air. If unlawful defeat devices have been used, there must be transparency, accountability and decisive enforcement.”
Dr Huq called on the Department for Transport to confirm it would use enforcement powers, including compulsory recalls under the Environment Act 2021, if non-compliance is identified.
Simon Lightwood MP, the transport minister, told MPs that 110 vehicle models were under active investigation and said enforcement action would escalate where wrongdoing is found. He added that any remedial work would be carried out at no cost to consumers.
The legal challenge is expected to last several weeks.
