Lobbyists send legal threats to councils over anti-wood burner campaigns

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Fiona Harvey Environment editorMarch 5, 2026 at 07:00 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Lobbyists for the UK wood-burning stove industry, the Stove Industry Association (SIA), have threatened legal action against at least eight London councils over public information campaigns warning about air pollution from wood burners. The SIA claims the campaigns, which include flyers stating wood burners are "careless, not cosy," breach UK advertising codes. Other councils, including Oxford and Brighton and Hove, have also faced criticism or complaints regarding their campaigns. The SIA has also lobbied other councils, sometimes claiming wood burning has health benefits. Critics argue the SIA is downplaying the health risks of wood burning, which produces carcinogenic byproducts. The controversy highlights the tension between the wood-burning stove industry and public health concerns related to air pollution.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Advertising Standards Authority 40% Brighton and Hove 40% Hove Wood Burners 40% Oxford City Council 50% Jemima Hartshorn 60% London 60% Mums for Lungs 60% United Kingdom ×270% British Medical Journal (BMJ) ×270% Stove Industry Association (SIA) ×590%

Keywords

wood burners 100% air pollution 90% lobbyists 80% legal threats 70% stove industry association 60% public health campaigns 60% toxic particle pollution 50% councils 50% health dangers 40%