Sadiq Khan Pleads Importance Of ULEZ To Tackle Climate Crisis

London mayor Sadiq Khan has urged cross-party collaboration on policies to tackle the climate emergency, saying they are “above party politics”.

At the meeting of the London Assembly today, he was asked how crucial measures such as ULEZ are for the sake of the planet.

He reinforced his stance by acknowledging rising temperatures as a cause of surface water flooding, wildfires, and overheating in London.

London was the first city to declare a climate emergency in 2018 under Mr Kahn’s office.

He said: “I think some things should be above party politics.

“I think we should have more cross party working on issues like this.”

The Mayor also pointed out how pleased he was that Labour and Conservatives are working together to tackle other major issues such as smoking.

Although a member of the Labour Party, the Mayor extended his respect to opposing politicians who work on a cross party basis.

London has been taking extensive measures in protecting the environment by investing in transport and energy infrastructure. Transport for London now possesses 1,000 electric buses, and half a million trees have recently been planted in the city.

The controversial ULEZ scheme has helped to cut nitrogen dioxide air pollution in central London by nearly half, and in London generally by a fifth. The recent expansion will bring cleaner air to five million more people on top of the four million in central and inner London, he said.

The Mayor highlighted how important it was that London makes the correct decisions, saying: “On the world stage London is leading the way and other cities, regions and countries are watching what we are doing.

“I’m proud that London is leading the way.

“I’m not prepared to stand idly by when we can save lives and help tackle the climate crisis.”