City leaders from around the world have expressed their support for Sadiq Khan amid criticism of his clean air policies in London. The recent victory of the Conservative party in the Uxbridge
constituency byelection was partially attributed to opposition to the upcoming extension of London's ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez). A contentious debate on the role of cars in cities has emerged, with Labour leader Keir Starmer making arch comments suggesting the party's approach is misguided.
However, other city mayors have rallied behind Khan, emphasizing the importance of clean air for everyone and sharing their own experiences in overcoming resistance to green policies. Raymond Johansen, the mayor of Oslo, Norway, since 2015, has implemented radical measures to combat air pollution. The city enforces seasonal total diesel bans and increases tolls for vehicles entering the city on days with poor air quality. Johansen faced criticism from a single-issue political party opposing the toll ring but countered attacks by investing the toll revenue in public transport infrastructure.
He explained that the toll revenue was used primarily to improve public transportation, benefitting low-income families who are the most frequent users of the extensive public transport system. Johansen praised London's Ulez scheme and regarded it as a sign of bold leadership by Mayor Khan to protect the health of children and vulnerable citizens. He described the expansion of Ulez as an inspiration to other cities, highlighting the need for substantial measures to combat poor air quality effectively.
Despite the criticism and opposition, city leaders worldwide are encouraging Sadiq Khan to continue his efforts to improve air quality in London and set an example for other cities globally. Clean air initiatives play a crucial role in creating healthier, sustainable environments for urban communities, and the support from global mayors signals a collective commitment to combatting air pollution and its detrimental impacts on public health and the environment. Photo by U.S. Embassy London, Wikimedia commons.