Keir Starmer praises Sadiq Khan’s push for clear air after ULEZ controversy

Sir Keir Starmer has praised Sadiq Khan’s dedication to wash air in London after urging the mayor to “reflect” on the growth of the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) final yr.

The divisive coverage, which widened the realm polluting autos could possibly be charged to drive in, attracted fierce opposition from each Conservative and Labour politicians.

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It was extensively blamed on Labour’s failure to take Boris Johnson’s previous Uxbridge seat after the previous prime minister resigned final summer season – with Sir Keir, who lives in north west London, refusing to again the scheme.

However in a show of strengthened ties between the pair, the Labour chief stated he didn’t need his youngsters to “breathe in dirty air” as he listed clear air as considered one of Mr Khan’s achievements.

Appearing alongside Mr Khan for the launch of the mayor’s re-election marketing campaign Sir Keir stated: “I say to people who challenge me on cleaner air, I’ve got two kids.

“They’re 15 and 13. I would not give them soiled water to drink and I would not need them to breathe in soiled air.”

A Labour supply stated the feedback are “entirely consistent” with what Sir Keir has stated earlier than – pointing to an interview with the BBC during which he made comparable remarks concerning the want for cleaner air.

Sky ‘did not fall in’ after ULEZ growth

Addressing the energy of the backlash at his marketing campaign launch, Mr Khan quipped that regardless of folks being hostile to the coverage “the sky didn’t fall in”.

He stated: “We then expanded it to outer London and here’s the great news – 19 out of 20 cars seen travelling on an average day are compliant… they don’t pay a penny more.”

ULEZ just isn’t the one coverage space the place there was a distinction of place between Mr Khan and the Labour management in Westminster.

The London mayor has referred to as for a “pragmatic debate” on re-joining the only market – one thing Sir Keir has dominated out.

Mr Khan has additionally rolled out free faculty meals for major faculty youngsters in London – one thing the Labour management has refused to decide to, emphasising as an alternative its pledge to introduce breakfast golf equipment in a bid to handle baby starvation.

However, Sir Keir stated he would be capable to enact “great change” with “my friend Sadiq” if Labour had been capable of govern from each Downing Street and City Hall.

The London mayor additionally performed down the prospect of issues rising from any variations in place.

Read More:
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ULEZ: Where the expanded Greater London zone will cowl.

“Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner, the entire shadow cabinet are united in their support for devolving more powers and resources to cities and regions across the country.

“What’s proper for Redbridge in London won’t be proper for Redcar. What’s proper for Bermondsey won’t be proper for Birmingham. And so I’m fairly clear – it is not a one-size matches all answer.”

Mr Khan is looking for a historic third time period in workplace when voters in London go to the polls on 2 May.