'Listen to the people Mr Mayor it'll cost lives and money!': Top union pleads with Sadiq Khan to delay Ulez expansion

26 August 2023, 06:55

ULEZ is due to expand in August to London's borders with Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Surrey.
ULEZ is due to expand in August to London's borders with Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Surrey. Picture: Alamy
  • GMB Union pleads with Mayor Khan to delay Ulez expansion, warning it will "cost lives and money". Union says many workers will be impacted and Khan must "listen to the people".
  • Ulez expansion to outer London on August 29th has faced criticism from opposition and motorists. GMB now adds pressure, calling policy "stealth" and unaffordable for average person.
  • Khan has defended Ulez as necessary to reduce air pollution deaths, though admits "challenges" for Londoners. Comments from GMB, affiliated to Labour, put Khan at odds with major party donor.
Henry Riley

By Henry Riley

“Listen to the people Mr Khan, it’s going to cost lives and money”, leading Union pleads with the London Mayor to delay Ulez just days before it is due to be expanded.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

A top trade union has called on Sadiq Khan to delay his controversial policy to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone, just days before it is due to be implemented.

The Mayor of London has faced regular criticism from opposition parties, as well as motorists, but will now be under fresh scrutiny after pressure from the GMB Union.

The comments to LBC come from the union's London Region Organiser, Trevlyn McLeod who said “People are angry, people are absolutely angry, and so are our members who can’t afford £12.50 a day or to buy a new car”.

Ms McLeod also criticised the implementation of the policy, telling LBC “It’s been done by stealth, it’s going to affect the average person”. She also said that the policy would directly affect her members saying “many workers will absolutely be affected”

The GMB is one of the largest trade unions in the UK and is directly affiliated with the Labour Party - giving Sir Keir Starmer’s party up to £2m a year in affiliation fees and other funds. The comments put Sadiq Khan on a collision course with one of Labour's biggest donors, who represent workers in retail, security, schools, distribution, utilities, healthcare, and drivers.

Read more: Ulez expansion rules: Map, start date and whether your vehicle is compliant

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is expanding across all London boroughs from 29 August 2023.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is expanding across all London boroughs from 29 August 2023. Picture: TfL

When asked if she had a message for the Mayor of London, Trevlyn McLeod said “Listen to the people Mr Khan, listen to the people who are going to suffer, listen to the people who can’t even afford to go to work let alone put food on the table”.

Speaking earlier in the week to James O’Brien on LBC, Sadiq Khan conceded “I understand the challenges people are going through, I understand people’s concerns but we can’t afford to delay this”

Read more: Warning to British holidaymakers about little known 'French Ulez' with risk of £150 fine for not having a sticker

Read more: ULEZ has been 'weaponised' by 'conspiracy theorists', Sadiq Khan says

Responding to comments from the GMB Union, a spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “The Mayor has always been clear that the decision to expand the ULEZ was a very difficult one, but he is not prepared to stand by while around 4,000 Londoners die prematurely each year due to air pollution”

LBC: Ulez has been 'weaponised' by 'conspiracy theorists', Sadiq Khan says

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Social media footage showed a man being kicked on the ground by his knife-wielding attacker.

Two charged by police after shock footage shows man kicked and spat at by knifeman after ‘burning Koran’ in London

Jannik Sinner

World tennis number one Jannik Sinner handed three-month ban for doping

Keith Edun, 47, used the messaging app “Kik” to spread vile images of children

Predator who encouraged man to rape a baby after sharing vile images of children online is jailed for 21 years

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during the 61st Munich Security Conference on February 15, 2025 in Munich, Germany.

Zelenskyy calls for creation of ‘European army’ as he warns Russia 'will pull Europe apart' if not defeated

The woman who said she was raped by rappers and business moguls Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2000, when she was 13, has dropped her civil lawsuit against both men.

Woman who accused Jay-Z and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of raping her when she was 13 drops lawsuit

Liam Payne died last Wednesday.

One Direction star Liam Payne was 'sectioned' after near-fatal overdose months before death, close friend claims

Hamas hands over 3 Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip to Red Cross

Israeli hostages paraded on stage before being freed - as four Palestinian prisoners released in 'critical condition'

uk british national lottery euromillions ticket with picks

Winning numbers revealed as single UK EuroMillions ticket holder scoops massive £65million Valentine’s Day jackpot

The Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt

Manhunt launched after woman seriously injured at village pub in Valentine's Day 'shooting'

Rob and Lindsey Burrow a few weeks before he died

Rob Burrow's wife reveals heartbreaking moment she knew rugby league star 'couldn't go on' with MND struggle

Axel Rudakubana will be 'target number one' in prison

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana's sentence won't be referred to Court of Appeal despite claims it's 'unduly lenient'

The damaged shield

'Risk of radioactive leak' after Russian 'high explosive' drone hits Chernobyl, causing 'significant damage'

The fire broke out at the Chiltern Firehouse

Fire engulfs celebrity haunt Chiltern Firehouse as 100 evacuated from luxury hotel

Trump confirms he will meet Starmer in Washington 'in the next few weeks'

Trump to meet with Starmer in Washington 'in the next few weeks' - as JD Vance slams Europe in fiery speech

Both Meghan and Kate shared Valentine's pictures

Harry and Meghan share sweet Valentine's photo after William and Kate also post romantic picture

Jaden Sheriff.

Man found guilty of killing ex-girlfriend's neighbour over 'blue balls', sentenced to life imprisonment