Focus On Barking: Will Khan’s approval for ‘Barcelona-on-Thames’ change the landscape of east London? September 16, 2016 It’s not often Barking – an industrial suburb of east London – finds itself in the spotlight. But that’s exactly what happened this month when Mayor of London Sadiq Khan approved “one of the largest and most ambitious regeneration schemes in Europe” on the north bank of the Thames. Barking Riverside, as it’ll be known, [...]
Mayor of London slammed over RMT union’s planned Tube strikes on Hammersmith & City and Circle Lines September 15, 2016 Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has been slammed today over his lack of response to a Tube strike planned by drivers on the Hammersmith & City and Circle Lines, due to start tonight. The RMT union said this morning that, following an "overwhelming vote for action" by drivers who are union members, 24 hours of strike [...]
Sadiq Khan has vowed to push ahead with a housing plan his critics call “unrealistic” and “needlessly complex” September 14, 2016 Sadiq Khan has defended plans to sell off Transport for London land at reduced rates, claiming the approach “does right by London”, despite claims the plans are “unrealistic” and “needlessly complex”. Khan is set to press ahead with the sale of one patch of land at Kidbrooke in Greenwich, despite warnings his affordable housing requirements [...]
The Mayor of London has opted to protect privilege not competition September 14, 2016 Sadiq Khan’s crackdown on London’s private hire industry is a sop to a privileged monopoly that distorts competitive markets and fails to defend consumer interests. As private hire services make inroads into London’s black cab monopoly, the case to protect them from decline and enforce consumer safety may sound reasonable. But Khan’s reforms go beyond safety and are [...]
Jeremy Corbyn clashes with Theresa May over her flagship grammar schools plan September 14, 2016 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has clashed with Theresa May over her plans to push for new grammar schools, increasing the pressure on her flagship reforms. Earlier today London mayor Sadiq Khan called on May to drop to her first major policy as Prime Minister, which she has described as a key part of Britain becoming “the great meritocracy”. [...]
Sadiq Khan calls on Theresa May to axe her school reform plans September 14, 2016 London mayor Sadiq Khan has called on the government to drop plans to open new grammar schools. Speaking in City Hall today, Khan rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's claims that reintroducing the schools, along with the associated testing for students, would raise standards. Instead, he warned the programme would inevitably lead to segregation. Only four per [...]
The Uber vs black cabs row proves one thing – driverless cars are the future September 14, 2016 Having digested Sadiq Khan’s 27-point plan to meddle in the taxi and private hire market, one top Uber official yesterday moaned “so much for being the most pro-business mayor in London’s history”. Uber’s frustration is understandable. Not only is the firm already battling Transport for London over proposed regulatory changes (some of which are just [...]
Uber accuses Sadiq Khan of favouring London’s black cabs September 13, 2016 Uber has accused the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan of discriminating against its drivers and favouring black cabs in the capital with new measures to regulate the industry. In an email sent to customers, Uber claims that thousands of minicab drivers could lose their livelihoods with a knock on effect on waiting times and availability of cars. [...]
London mayor pledges new support for black cab industry in Uber fight September 13, 2016 The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has put his backing behind the capital's famous black cabs as they face competition from Uber with new measures to support the industry. City Hall has promised to increase the number of taxi ranks around the city and increase access to bus lanes, while cab information will be added to Transport for London's journey [...]
Charity Day lures celebs including Lindsay Lohan, Davina McCall, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Joanna Lumley to BGC Partners’ trading floor September 12, 2016 BGC Partners’ trading floor was overrun by comedians, Olympians, film stars and London’s mayor yesterday at the brokerage’s annual charity fundraising day. The gaggle of celebs roaming BGC’s labyrinth of computer screens and phone speakers to clinch the cash for this year’s charities included actor Tom Hardy, garden-bridge pusher Joanna Lumley, supermodel Jodie Kidd, TV [...]