Latest news with #SadiqKhan
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Tube drivers threatening to strike if 'bosses refuse to pay them £76,000 a year'
London Underground drivers are threatening to go on strike if 'bosses refuse to pay them £76,000 a year'. The RMT trade union is allegedly urging members to take action if Transport for London (TfL) does not offer them a pay rise of 4.5 per cent. If accepted, salaries for drivers would raise to £76,127, more than twice the average annual salary. Currently, most tube drivers make around £72,000 a year, which is already close to double the average salary of £37,500, according to the Office for National Statistics. TfL has reportedly offered Tube drivers a 2.8 per cent pay rise. In a letter seen by The Telegraph, the union has called for a pay rise that 'protects members from the real cost of living '. Keith Prince, the London Assembly transport spokesman said: 'It's never enough - Khan and the Labour government bunged billions at union barons without any strings attached, and for nothing. 'Now drivers are looking for a salary more than double what the average Brit earns.' Last year Sir Sadiq Khan warded off the threat of strikes by promising train drivers a four-day working week and a 4.6 per cent pay rise. Workers would do a regular 34-hour week across four days, including a 30-minute paid break, instead of 38.5 hours. Drivers would only work a fifth day of the week once every three months, to account for some of the time being trimmed. However, this work would be training rather than operating trains. The ASLEF union accepted the new terms in a vote, but the RMT union is still yet to agree. Aslef announced in April that 70 per cent of members had voted to endorse the new terms in a ballot, with 80 per cent turnout. Finn Brennan, Aslef's full-time organiser on London Underground, said: 'Despite a campaign of disinformation and distortion by those who want to prevent drivers having improved working conditions and a better work-life balance, our members have voted in favour of the proposal by 70 per cent on an 80 per cent turnout in an independently audited referendum. 'As a majority of members have voted in favour of the proposal, we will now be writing to the company to inform them of the result and to arrange a meeting to start detailed discussions on implementation.' Currently drivers take unpaid breaks within their hours, and 'bank' one hour a week that is given back as time in lieu later. Supporters of the new arrangement say it is hard for TfL to dictate how long unpaid breaks should last. A TfL spokesperson said: 'We look forward to reaching a fair and affordable agreement for our colleagues.' The RMT union has been contacted for comment.
BBC News
a day ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Notting Hill Carnival crush risk made me frightened, says Khan
The risk of a crowd crush at Notting Hill Carnival "made me frightened", London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan at mayor's question time, he said Carnival had become a "victim of its own success" with it now attracting about two million people across the August bank holiday has backed a call from the event's organisers for urgent funding from the government to help pay for additional public safety measures. The government said it would respond to the request "in due course".Susan Hall, Conservative group leader at City Hall, said the festival was a "disaster waiting to happen", adding: "I think there comes a time when it isn't down to money. It's down to the situation." In his letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, which was leaked to the BBC on Wednesday, Carnival chair Ian Comfort said the future of the event could be in doubt without the additional funding to improve crowd an independent public safety review which had been commissioned by Carnival organisers, Sir Sadiq said a "funding gap" had opened due to the added costs of implementing its recommendations. He told the London Assembly: "The carnival has been going since 1966, organised by the community, the second biggest street festival in the world."[At] City Hall, we've been supporting the carnival in my last nine years as mayor in terms of funding for safety and security. We fund the carnival safety and security, to the tune of about £1,000,000."The mayor said the current level of funding currently given by City Hall, Kensington and Chelsea Council and Westminster Council was the "maximum we can financially, and so we would need the government to step in". He said he shared concerns raised by the Metropolitan Police around the risks of "crushing at certain pinch points"."I've seen images of some of the crowds at some parts of the day and watching that made me frightened," the mayor said the UK has expertise in crowd management following the events such as the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy and that any recommendations to reduce such risks at Notting Hill Carnival needed to be implemented. Ms Hall, a former Tory mayoral candidate, questioned whether the government should "fund an event that two people died at last year".Cher Maximen was fatally stabbed in front of her three-year-old daughter at the 2024 event and chef Mussie Imnetu was murdered close to the carnival route. The Met has previously said the measures it takes to manage the crowd limits the ability of police officers to focus on crime prevention. Rachel Alexander, who has performed at Notting Hill Carnival since 2008, called for the funding to be granted."If the government truly values the cultural and economic impact of Carnival then they should invest in its foundation," she told BBC added that while last year was among her best "on the road in terms of crowd control", it can depend on the band and if they could afford "top notch security". "Overall, the event needs better infrastructure to crowd control," she said.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
UK's busiest high street set to ban cars – turning it into ‘world-class' tourist attraction
Plus, the exact time to get a free performance from huge Hollywood star on London street EVERY night this summer REVVING UP UK's busiest high street set to ban cars – turning it into 'world-class' tourist attraction THE UK capital could see big changes this summer amid the Mayor's plans to regenerate Oxford Street and introduce Al Fresco dining across the city. Sadiq Khan plans to pedestrianise the famous street in central London, which is the busiest shopping street in Europe and which includes popular destinations such as Selfridges, John Lewis and more recently, Ikea. 4 There will also be more outdoor summer dining across London this summer Credit: Alamy These businesses have also backed the plans which aim to boost retail and drive growth for London. The Oxford Street area would include see the pedestrianisation of the main shopping roads, currently busy with buses and taxis. Traffic and highway proposals will be developed and consulted on later this year. A new report published by the Mayor of London found that almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of Londoners are in favour of pedestrianising Oxford Street. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible. "We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. "This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come. "Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect – but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone." Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, added: "We will support the Mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people, and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital in line with our Plan for Change." In addition to the new plans for Oxford Street, the Mayor has also revealed that a number of different areas in London will gain al fresco dining and later opening hours this summer. Dubai Ice Cream Brixton, Leyton, Shoreditch and the West End will all gain outdoor dining for the summer months, after the Mayor has been granted licensing powers from Government to help boost the capital's nightlife. In Westminster, the widely popular al fresco dining programme that was seen during the pandemic will return on St Martin's Lane in the West End. The street will be car-free from 11am to 11pm and al fresco licenses will be available available for up to 34 businesses. Plans will be developed in the coming months to make this permanent. In Shoreditch, for the first time ever independent bars and restaurants on Rivington Street and Redchurch Street will offer outdoor dining and drinking until midnight. 4 Oxford Street's pedestrianisation could completely change Europe's busiest shopping street Both streets will be car-free on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. In Brixton, there will be 400-square-metres of outdoor dining space for around 80 extra tables and 400 extra seats for businesses in Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road. Running on selected weekends, the roads will become car-free zones until 10pm, with daytime activities including food markets, art workshops and live music. In Leyton, Francis Road will extend its car-free hours and boast seating, outdoor games, late events and a weekend market. The £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will ultimately enable areas across the city to open-up to more guests across longer hours this summer. 4 Both are part of plans to make the city more welcoming Credit: Alamy The hope is that the scheme will also be expanded in the coming years. Sadiq Khan said: "The schemes announced today are just the beginning and we're looking to build on their success across London in the years ahead. "London's food, drink and nightlife scenes are world-class and I'm determined to do all I can to help them thrive. "With new licensing powers granted by Government being developed, I'm looking forward to doing even more - working with boroughs, businesses and the police to drive forward more initiatives like these." Also, London's newest tourist town in 'forgotten' district is £1.3bn attraction with hotels, theatre and rooftop bar. Plus, the exact time to get a free performance from huge Hollywood star on London street EVERY night this summer.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
UK's busiest high street set to ban cars – turning it into ‘world-class' tourist attraction
THE UK capital could see big changes this summer amid the Mayor's plans to regenerate Oxford Street and introduce Al Fresco dining across the city. Sadiq Khan plans to pedestrianise the famous street in central London, which is the busiest shopping street in Europe and which includes popular destinations such as Selfridges, John Lewis and more recently, Ikea . 4 There will also be more outdoor summer dining across London this summer Credit: Alamy These businesses have also backed the plans which aim to boost retail and drive growth for London. The Traffic and highway proposals will be developed and consulted on later this year. A new report published by the Mayor of London found that almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of Londoners are in favour of pedestrianising Oxford Street. Read more on London Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible. "We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and "This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come. "Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect – but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone." Most read in News Travel Deputy Prime Minister, jobs for local people, and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital in line with our Plan for Change." In addition to the new plans for Oxford Street, the Mayor has also revealed that a number of different areas in London will gain al fresco dining and later opening hours this summer . Dubai Ice Cream Brixton, Leyton, Shoreditch and the West End will all gain outdoor dining for the summer months, after the Mayor has been granted licensing powers from Government to help boost the capital's nightlife. In Westminster, the widely popular al fresco dining programme that was seen during the pandemic will return on St Martin's Lane in the The street will be car-free from 11am to 11pm and al fresco licenses will be available available for up to 34 businesses. Plans will be developed in the coming months to make this permanent. In Shoreditch, for the first time ever independent bars and restaurants on Rivington Street and Redchurch Street will offer outdoor dining and drinking until midnight. 4 Oxford Street's pedestrianisation could completely change Europe's busiest shopping street Both streets will be car-free on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. In Brixton, there will be 400-square-metres of outdoor dining space for around 80 extra tables and 400 extra seats for businesses in Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road. Running on selected weekends, the roads will become car-free zones until 10pm, with daytime activities including food markets, art workshops and live music. In Leyton, Francis Road will extend its car-free hours and boast seating, outdoor games, late events and a weekend market. The £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will ultimately enable areas across the city to open-up to more guests across longer hours this summer. 4 Both are part of plans to make the city more welcoming Credit: Alamy The hope is that the scheme will also be expanded in the coming years. Sadiq Khan said: "The schemes announced today are just the beginning and we're looking to build on their success across London in the years ahead. "London's food, drink and nightlife scenes are world-class and I'm determined to do all I can to help them thrive. "With new licensing powers granted by Government being developed, I'm looking forward to doing even more - working with boroughs, businesses and the police to drive forward more initiatives like these." Also, Plus, the 4 It comes after the Mayor has been given more licensing powers Credit: Alamy
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
UK's busiest high street set to ban cars – turning it into ‘world-class' tourist attraction
THE UK capital could see big changes this summer amid the Mayor's plans to regenerate Oxford Street and introduce Al Fresco dining across the city. Sadiq Khan plans to pedestrianise the famous street in central London, which is the busiest shopping street in Europe and which includes popular destinations such as Selfridges, John Lewis and more recently, Ikea. These businesses have also backed the plans which aim to boost retail and drive growth for London. The Oxford Street area would include see the pedestrianisation of the main shopping roads, currently busy with buses and taxis. Traffic and highway proposals will be developed and consulted on later this year. A new report published by the Mayor of London found that almost two-thirds (63 per cent) of Londoners are in favour of pedestrianising Oxford Street. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible. "We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world-class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. "This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come. "Our plans are not only about creating a beautiful public space where people can shop, eat and connect – but transforming Oxford Street into a place Londoners and the whole of the country can be proud of, as we continue to build a better London for everyone." Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, added: "We will support the Mayor in delivering this ambitious vision, which will help to breathe new life into Oxford Street – driving investment, creating new jobs for local people, and providing a boost to economic growth in the capital in line with our Plan for Change." In addition to the new plans for Oxford Street, the Mayor has also revealed that a number of different areas in London will gain al fresco dining and later opening hours this summer. Dubai Ice Cream Brixton, Leyton, Shoreditch and the West End will all gain outdoor dining for the summer months, after the Mayor has been granted licensing powers from Government to help boost the capital's nightlife. In Westminster, the widely popular al fresco dining programme that was seen during the pandemic will return on St Martin's Lane in the West End. The street will be car-free from 11am to 11pm and al fresco licenses will be available available for up to 34 businesses. Plans will be developed in the coming months to make this permanent. In Shoreditch, for the first time ever independent bars and restaurants on Rivington Street and Redchurch Street will offer outdoor dining and drinking until midnight. 4 Both streets will be car-free on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. In Brixton, there will be 400-square-metres of outdoor dining space for around 80 extra tables and 400 extra seats for businesses in Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road. Running on selected weekends, the roads will become car-free zones until 10pm, with daytime activities including food markets, art workshops and live music. In Leyton, Francis Road will extend its car-free hours and boast seating, outdoor games, late events and a weekend market. The £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will ultimately enable areas across the city to open-up to more guests across longer hours this summer. 4 The hope is that the scheme will also be expanded in the coming years. Sadiq Khan said: "The schemes announced today are just the beginning and we're looking to build on their success across London in the years ahead. "London's food, drink and nightlife scenes are world-class and I'm determined to do all I can to help them thrive. "With new licensing powers granted by Government being developed, I'm looking forward to doing even more - working with boroughs, businesses and the police to drive forward more initiatives like these." Also, London's newest tourist town in 'forgotten' district is £1.3bn attraction with hotels, theatre and rooftop bar. Plus, the exact time to get a free performance from huge Hollywood star on London street EVERY night this summer.
