Is London Facing a Crisis? Mayoral Candidates Deliver Their Verdict

 

During an event hosted by the Centre for London, they were questioned about whether London was currently facing a “crisis”.

The incumbent Mayor, Sadiq Khan of the Labour Party, refuted the notion that the capital was in a state of crisis.

However, he acknowledged that London has grappled with various challenges during his two terms, including the impacts of Brexit, the tragic Grenfell fire, and the ongoing Covid pandemic.

Khan pointed to the government’s management of the pandemic and the rising cost of living as significant concerns.

While he noted a record number of social homes being constructed, he emphasized that six times the present funding would be required to meet the demand for necessary housing.

“This is a marathon,” he remarked. “Incremental change is the only feasible outcome unless there’s a substantial increase in funding.”

Mr. Khan expressed that a potential third term at City Hall could lead to a more constructive relationship with the central government.

“Consider the possibilities with a Labour mayor and a Labour government working in harmony,” he urged.

He also defended the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), stating that it has brought about cleaner air in outer London, aided by a scrappage scheme to assist many.

People lack a sense of security’

Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate, voiced concerns about the Metropolitan Police, citing a crisis in trust and confidence.

One contributing factor, she pointed out, was a restructuring that resulted in one commander overseeing two or three of London’s 32 boroughs, as opposed to having one assigned to each.

“So many people don’t feel safe,” she emphasised.

Hall identified housing as the top priority for young people. With the substantial funding from the government, she pledged to expedite the construction of necessary homes.

In place of the Ulez in outer London, which was implemented at the end of August, she proposed a £50 million fund that councils could access to address local pollution hotspots.

Given Mr Khan’s mayoralty, which was marked by tension with the Tory government, she was asked how she would collaborate with a potential Labour administration.

“I would advocate for Londoners, regardless of who is in power,” she stated.

“It is crucial to build relationships to secure the best outcomes for Londoners.”

‘Excessive Vacant Properties’

“Many individuals are facing a crisis in London,” noted Green candidate Zoe Garbett, highlighting issues with housing and the cost of living.

She pointed out that there are an excessive number of vacant homes in London, and insufficient efforts towards retrofitting and regenerating existing housing, as opposed to demolition which often results in a “net decrease in homes”.

When asked about the repercussions of the Ulez expansion, she stated that it should have been part of a “fair and cohesive strategy”.

The Greens would have implemented it simultaneously across inner and outer London, she explained, along with increased investment in public transport and additional funds for people disposing of their polluting vehicles.

“It’s about engaging with people about the obstacles and bringing them on board,” she added.

‘A Crisis with Potential Solutions’

Rob Blackie, the Liberal Democrat candidate, remarked that London had been “affected” by crime, the consequences of Brexit, and the cost of living.

“But it’s not a crisis that cannot be resolved,” he affirmed.

He has promised to reduce the emphasis on police employing stop and search for cannabis and nitrous oxide, stating that this is not where the public believes the Met should concentrate its efforts.

He asserted that this shift would free up significant police resources to address other critical issues such as investigating cases of rape and sexual offences.

The mayoral election is scheduled to occur on 2nd May.