Ulez opponents joining hands with far-right and Covid deniers, says Khan
SADIQ KHAN has claimed that people who oppose the expansion of London’s Ultra-low Emission Zone (Ulez) are in league with Covid-deniers and members of the far-right.
Speaking at a public question time session in Ealing, west London on Thursday, the Mayor of London said: “What I find unacceptable is those people with legitimate objections, joining hands with some of those outside, who are part of a far-right.
“Let’s call a spade a spade; some of those on the outside are part of the farright, some are Covid deniers, some are vaccine-deniers, and some are Tories.”
The comments were met with a loud reaction from some in the audience.
A number of anti-ulez protesters were present in the hall, while others could be found protesting against the expansion outside of the venue.
The Mayor plans to expand the Ulez zone to all 32 London boroughs by the end of August. Under the new rules, any vehicle that fails to meet European emission standards must pay £12.50 to drive in the zone every day.
This would usually include petrol cars more than 16 years old, and diesels more than six years old.
Mr Khan’s comments were also met with criticism from London assembly members, with Nick Rogers , the Conservative transport lead, labelling them the “most disgraceful comments he had heard from a politician”, and calling for Mr Khan to resign.
Later in the session, the Mayor doubled down on his comments, and said: “Some of you have good reason to oppose Ulez but you are in coalition with Covid deniers, in coalition with far-right and you are in coalition with vaccine-deniers as well.”
The comments will fuel the bitter row between the Mayor and his team, and those against the expansion of Ulez.
Last month, four London boroughs and Surrey County Council revealed that they would be taking the mayor and Transport for London to court to try and stop the expansion through a judicial review.
Mr Khan has also received public objections from London Labour MPS.
Yesterday, the Mayor and TFL were also accused of pre-determining that Ulez would go ahead before a consultation had taken place.