Sunak rips into Sadiq Khan for going against ‘overwhelming’ will of people on ULEZ
Rishi Sunak has ripped into Sadiq Khan, accusing him of going against the “overwhelming” will of the people. He criticised Mr Khan’s plans to expand the Ultra Low Emission zone across London, saying it will “raise costs for hardworking families”.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Sunak said: “Transport in London is devolved to the Labour Mayor, who is expanding the zone against the overwhelming views of residents and businesses.
“And what’s more his plan to raise costs for hardworking families is totally backed by the leader of the opposition.”
Mr Khan has faced growing backlash in recent months for his plans to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London, with the Mayor facing a High Court challenge over the plans.
It is understood a judge accepted a request from five Tory councils – Harrow, Hillingdon, Bromley, Bexley and Surrey county council – for a judicial review of the mayor’s plans.
The hearing, taking place in July, will effectively decide whether Mr Khan acted legally or illegally in giving the go-ahead for the scheme’s expansion. The £12.50 ULEZ charge applies to vehicles that do not meet up-to-date emissions standards and currently covers inner London.
Howard Cox from FairFuel accused the Mayor of “cash-grabbing”, saying that the plans are “not only contemptible but now maybe seen to be unlawful”.
He called for an independent public inquiry into what he dubbed “immoral behaviour”.
Mr Cox claimed Mr Khan made “false and dishonest” statements to the London Assembly and “manipulated ULEZ results.”
But a spokesman for the Mayor described the legal battle as “costly and misguided”.
Former Conservative Mayoral candidate Stephen Norris also criticised the Mayor for his ULEZ plans, saying it is “very divisive”.
He claimed that Mr Khan is “desperately beatable” at the next election.
He said: “Here’s a guy going for a third term who actually is beatable … I think he is desperately beatable.”
Mr Norris described the Mayor’s plan to extend ULEZ as “very divisive”, saying it is alienating traditional Labour voters in London.
He explained: “Here is a Labour mayor who doesn’t tax me because my cars are all posh enough they don’t need to pay ULEZ, but does tax people for being poor.
“There are lots of people who are not at all well-off who need a van or a car in order to do their jobs and can’t afford to upgrade it.”
