Sadiq Khan in U-turn on ‘eco’ wood-burners amid pollution fears

Campaigners' pressure sees London mayor withdraw approval for stoves billed as better for the environment

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has withdrawn his endorsement of wood-burning stoves promoted as environmentally friendly" after a surge in sales of the appliances, which contribute to harmful air pollution.

In 2018, Khan endorsed the Ecodesign stoves, which comply with new regulations in an EU directive on minimum energy efficiency standards that came into force on 1 January last year, in order to encourage householders to switch from open fires and older stoves to more modern technology. He said Londoners could make a big difference by using the right kit".