London's mayor is pursuing a strict new ban on log burners in private homes across the city as part of a fresh anti-air pollution initiative. Lord Khan of Tooting hopes to create new "zero-emission zones" in the capital to completely outlaw domestic wood-burning stoves and impose strict limits on backyard bonfires.
Formal Demand to Defra
In a formal demand sent to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Lord Khan urged ministers to "go further" and grant him sweeping new powers to crack down on solid fuel burning. The move goes far beyond current government proposals to put cigarette-style health warnings on wood burners.
It marks the latest radical anti-pollution measure from City Hall, following the controversial ULEZ expansion, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), and cycle lanes that have sparked widespread anger among motorists.
Political Backlash
Lord Khan's Tory rival, Sir James Cleverly MP, who plans to run against him in the 2028 mayoral election, blasted the proposed ban. He warned: "There is almost no area of people's lives Sadiq Khan won't intrude in."
Cleverly added: "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." The MP for Braintree continued: "Instead of finding new ways to tie up London and Londoners in new red tape and bans, we need to unshackle London's potential."
Industry Reaction
Under existing rules, councils can only enforce smoke control zones that ban unapproved fuels like wet wood. Homeowners are currently free to burn dry logs in modern, efficient stoves. However, Lord Khan has claimed the current legislation is too weak and has left him facing "persistent constraints in funding, powers, and capacity".
Industry experts have reacted with outrage to the proposed crackdown, with Erica Malkin from the Stove Industry Association warning that blanket bans are a "disproportionate response" that completely ignores the major emission-reducing technology developed by modern stove makers.
The Express contacted Lord Khan's office for comment, and a spokesperson said Defra are "still analysing the responses to the consultation and we expect them to publish a summary in the coming months".
