Housing secretary Robert Jenrick slams Sadiq Khan’s London homes plan March 13, 2020 The housing secretary has slammed Sadiq Khan’s proposals for new London’s homes, saying a focus on small flats will push families out of the capital. Robert Jenrick MP has blocked the publication of the London mayor’s housing plan until “significant improvements” have been made. In a damning letter to Khan, Jenrick said housing delivery in [...]
Mind the gap: How to level up transport networks across south London March 9, 2020 It is widely acknowledged that south London’s transport links are inferior to those north of the river. By taking a cursory glance at the Tube map, it becomes blindingly obvious that there is a clear disparity between the two parts of our city, with several multi-coloured lines stretching well into the north in stark contrast [...]
With 100 days to go, can Sadiq Khan lose the 2020 London mayoral election? January 28, 2020 Even Sadiq Khan’s biggest critics would acknowledge his skill in working a crowd. The mayor of London glides from person to person, selfie to selfie, handshake to handshake. At a time when politicians are not exactly enjoying public favour, he seems to have plenty of Londoners firmly on his side. The response toward Khan by [...]
Four London infrastructure projects that unravelled in 2019 December 23, 2019 Boris Johnson “loves infrastructure”. At least, that’s what the Prime Minister said when he was asked about the High Speed Two rail project on the campaign trail earlier this month. And it is just as well. Because some of London’s biggest infrastructure problems are creaking at the seams. If the PM were not so keen on [...]
To speak or not to speak: The battle for free speech November 1, 2019 I remember the excitement of setting up my first Personal Computer and being able to get email. The potential to connect with people from around the world in an instance was inspiring, as was the sense that the Information Superhighway and World Wide Web were going to transform our world forever. I also remember being [...]
Ulez charge has added £41m to TfL coffers since April October 28, 2019 More than £40m has been raised from Sadiq Khan’s air pollution levy in the scheme’s first six months. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Transport for London (TfL), sent by car selling comparison website Motoway.co.uk, revealed 2.1m Ultra Low Emissions Zone (Ulez) charges were purchased by drivers up to 31 August. Read more: Ulez [...]
Deputy mayor set to step down after Westminster call up October 28, 2019 London’s deputy mayor for housing will resign after being selected for a safe Labour seat. James Murray beat out deputy mayor for business Rajesh Agrawal and Ealing North councillor Aysha Raza to be the Labour candidate in Ealing North at the next general election. Read more: ‘Unhappy’ deputy mayors look for Westminster move Current Ealing North [...]
‘Unhappy’ deputy mayors look for Westminster move October 23, 2019 Two deputy mayors of London are seeking a move to parliament amidst claims the pair are unhappy with how Sadiq Khan runs City Hall. Deputy mayor for business Rajesh Agrawal and deputy mayor for housing James Murray have both been shortlisted to represent Labour in Ealing North at the next general election. Read more: Fintech boss [...]
Back to the future: London unveils first fully electric taxi since… 1897 October 23, 2019 A completely electric taxi hit London’s roads today, although the first fully electric vehicle came to the capital more than 100 years ago. The zero emissions Dynamo Taxi, made from a converted Nissan e-NV200 Evalia MPV, was unveiled as a part of the International Clean Air Conference at City Hall. Read more: Electric taxi cab [...]
Garden Bridge Trust awarded £21m in contracts ‘prematurely’ and ‘recklessly’ October 15, 2019 Backers of the abandoned Garden Bridge awarded £21m in construction contracts before getting key land and building permits, according to a new report. The report, from the London Assembly’s Garden Bridge Working Group, details the “reckless” spending of the Garden Bridge Trust (GBT) and Transport for London (TfL) on the failed £53m project. Read more: [...]