Susan Hall, the Conservative mayoral candidate, said: “Promises are worthless from the man who has been dishonest with Londoners about his plans to tax drivers…reports Asian Lite News
Sadiq Khan has pledged not to extend the scope of London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) scheme if he returns to the role after May’s election.
In a letter to the Transport for London commissioner, Andy Lord, the capital’s mayor wrote that he had “categorically” ruled out the introduction of a pay-per-mile scheme as well as any tightening of Ulez emissions standards.
He wrote: “There is clearly still more to do to tackle air pollution, and I’m determined to continue leading from the front in London. But my commitment to Londoners is this will not include a new pay-per-mile road user charging scheme or amending the standards for the Ulez scheme. The introduction and expansion of the Ulez has been necessary and effective. But now it’s in place and working, I will ensure the goalposts are not moved for drivers.”
Khan adds in the letter that he would focus on other measures to tackle air pollution, including improving walking and cycling routes, making buildings more energy efficient and expanding the network of electric vehicle charging stations.
Susan Hall, the Conservative mayoral candidate, said: “Promises are worthless from the man who has been dishonest with Londoners about his plans to tax drivers.
“Sadiq Khan said he wouldn’t expand Ulez at the last election, then went ahead and did the opposite. He has spent £150m building the technology for pay per mile, and now wants us to believe he won’t use it.
“Sadiq Khan is taking Londoners for fools and he just won’t listen. That’s why we need to vote for change on 2 May.”
A spokesperson for the mayor said: “Sadiq has been clear that he has ruled out the introduction of a pay-per-mile road user charging scheme but the Tories are clearly trying to mislead Londoners by repeatedly saying this is not the case.
“The mayor has now put in writing to the TfL commissioner his clear pledge to London: no pay-per-mile scheme will be introduced while he is mayor.”
The Liberal Democrat candidate, Rob Blackie, said: “The Ulez could have been so much more successful if the mayor hadn’t rushed the 2023 extension, giving people in outer London just a few months to adapt.
“If we’re going to crack climate change we need to bring people with us. It’s crucial that the mayor focuses on fixing the problems that still persist, especially for tradespeople who need vans for work.” The Green party has been approached for comment.
The Mayor said “I’m delighted that our Let’s Do London campaign has been an enormous success and it’s amazing to see tourists flocking back to the city to enjoy all there is to offer…reports Asian Lite News
London’s economy has roared back from the impact of the pandemic, with more than 300,000 additional tourists visiting the city and spending £162m so far in 20231.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has also today revealed that over the last three years, his ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign – which encouraged tourists to visit the capital following the pandemic – has attracted over 850,000 additional visitors, who in turn contributed £360m to London’s economy.
Around 16 million people visit London every year2.
This summer has been hugely successful for London, with a massive return of visitors enjoying the capital’s offering of attractions, gigs, events and fashion with the recent reopening of the National Portrait Gallery, the complete rehang of Tate Britain, and the opening of the new Young V&A children’s museum in East London which has doubled in attendance since reopening and renaming.
In one week in July a plethora of musical talent – from the British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park and Greenwich Summer Sounds to performances by Lana Del Rey, the Weeknd, and Blur– performed in London, bringing in more than £320million to the capital in ticket sales and secondary spend.3
This included sold-out arena gigs and smaller grassroots venues all across the capital.
London welcomed millions of tourists to our city this summer to enjoy world-class performances, events & exhibitions. But we could be welcoming many more shoppers if the Government would support us by reversing their decision to scrap VAT-free shopping for international visitors.
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) October 6, 2023
Last month, the fashion industry – which employs nearly 900,000 people in the UK and contributes around £21 billion to the UK economy –was boosted by London Fashion Week enjoying its largest schedule since the pandemic and the star-studded Vogue World: London event raising £2m for London-based arts organisations.
This month the capital is expected to host even more visitors as the BFI London Film Festival, the 20th anniversary of Frieze London, the 30th anniversary of the EFG London Jazz Festival, the London Literature Festival and the first major UK exhibition mapping the design evolution of the skateboard all take place.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan hailed this success as he joined leaders from across London and the UK’s visitor attractions at the 20th anniversary of the UK Visitor Attractions Conference.
Earlier this year, the Mayor joined more than 300 brands in signing a letter to the chancellor saying the UK is “losing out” due to the decision to remove VAT-free tourist shopping, with the impact already hitting some London brands.
The Mayor said “I’m delighted that our Let’s Do London campaign has been an enormous success and it’s amazing to see tourists flocking back to the city to enjoy all there is to offer.
“We’ve had a brilliant summer and welcomed millions of tourists to our great city to enjoy a wide array of performances, events, and exhibitions but we could be welcoming so many more shoppers if the Government would support us.
“Once again, I am urging ministers to reverse their decision to scrap VAT free shopping for international visitors. By doing so they could remove a major competitive disadvantage for the London and the UK and help make us even more appealing to tourists.”
Dee Corsi, Chief Executive, New West End Company said: “Businesses have made clear that the absence of tax-free shopping is a barrier to growth which is creating an unnecessary drag on the U.K. economy. Nine in ten businesses in the West End say that the ‘tourist tax’ has been more damaging to them than the cost-of-living crisis or inflation.
“As a result, nearly half are reviewing staffing requirements – a potential blow to British jobs in an already challenging macro-economic climate. While it’s reassuring that our capital city hasn’t lost its appeal when it comes to attracting overseas visitors, these admissions from businesses should set alarm bells ringing in Westminster.
“We welcome the support of the Mayor today, as he underlines the need to reinstate tax-free shopping without delay in order to safeguard London’s future growth.”
Laura Citron, CEO of London & Partners, said: “We’re delighted by the continued success of Let’s Do London in driving additional visitors to London and helping support and spotlight our amazing tourism sector.
“After a buzzing summer season, London has once again been ranked as the best city in the world4, thanks to its leading cultural scene and fantastic attractions and experiences and there’s more to come as we enter autumn with unmissable exhibitions, immersive art and new openings including London’s newest cultural quarter, East Bank.”
Bernard Donoghue, CEO of ALVA and the Mayor’s cultural ambassador said: “These figures show just how successful and vital the Let’s Do London domestic and international tourism campaign has been. It’s been a brilliant collaboration between London’s tourism sector and London’s Mayor to kickstart the recovery of our visitor economy in order to repair balance sheets, protect and grow jobs and save businesses.”
The Mayor extended his gratitude to the leadership and elders at Neasden Temple for their warm welcome and hospitality, and thanked Hindu Londoners for enriching our city socially, economically and culturally…reports Asian Lite News
London Mayor Sadiq Khan met prominent Hindu spiritual leader, His Holiness (HH) Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj during his UK visit. Sadiq Khan, said: “I was privileged to welcome His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj to London and truly honoured to be among the many thousands to receive a blessing from him.
His Holiness is one of the most respected and significant Hindu leaders in the world, and his dedication to both his faith and community service are truly inspiring. As someone who’s pledged to be a Mayor for all Londoners, I will always celebrate the vital contribution Hindu communities make to our great city and its rich diversity.”
On Sunday 21 May the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden (also commonly known as the Neasden Temple), to formally welcome His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj to London. The Temple is currently hosting His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, who is global spiritual leader to the many hundreds of thousands of Hindus in London and more than one million in the UK.
The Mayor had a private audience with His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj who offered him and the city of London blessings and well wishes. More than 3,000 worshipers were in attendance on that evening, where the Mayor made a short speech to the congregation.
The Mayor extended his gratitude to the leadership and elders at Neasden Temple for their warm welcome and hospitality, and thanked Hindu Londoners for enriching our city socially, economically and culturally. He particularly highlighted the tireless work of BAPS volunteers to serve diverse communities across London, from their efforts to increase vaccination uptake to breaking down barriers through interfaith work.
The Mayor last attended Neasden Temple in November 2022 for Diwali celebrations.
London Mayor Sadi Khan visits University off East London. After the visit, he tweeted: Young Londoners are the future of our city – and we need young people with the skills that will help to drive London’s economic future. Great to see the fantastic new facilities for students at UEL’s School of Business and Law.
Tom Aditya has been active in the West of England region’s social spectrum for the last two decades, reports Asian Lite News
Indian-origin British Councillor Tom Aditya has again been elected Mayor of Bristol- Bradley Stoke at the council meeting held last week. He has been serving as chairman of the council’s majority Conservative Party and as the Chairman of the Finance Committee. Tom has been active in the West of England region’s social spectrum for the last two decades. He has been a councillor for more than a decade and currently represents the Bradley Stoke South Ward.
Cllr Tom previously served as Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chairman of the Planning and Environment Committee. He also serves as the Chairman of the South Gloucestershire Council’s Community Engagement Forum for the neighbourhood, helping the community to have a stronger voice. Cllr Aditya is renowned as a social justice advocate, policymaker, management consultant and speaker. He is also part of the West of England Community Leaders Group.
Cllr Tom Aditya with Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Bristol- Bradley Stoke is one of the wealthiest local councils in South West England, with the top Quality Gold Status in Local Authorities Awards Scheme. Bradley Stoke is Europe’s largest new town built with private investment, situated on the north side of Bristol City. Many big corporates and banks including Airbus, Rolls Royce, GKN Aerospace, MOD, BAE Systems, Aerospace Centre, Friends Life, GE Capital, TSB, EE have their bases in this part of the city.
After being elected again as Mayor, Tom said “Our Council achieved Quality Gold Status from the National Local Councils Association, which demonstrates that we are at the forefront of best practice, with excellence in governance, community leadership and development. This achievement is of great significance for our council in the Queen’s Jubilee year. Currently being unintentionally elected as Mayor, I pay tribute to my great friend, Cllr Michael Hill, who sadly passed away. He was enormous support and help to me while I previously served as Mayor. He had been a councillor since 1974, and I overwhelmingly supported him to serve as our Mayor. He did his best. I pay respect to his memory and will continue to use his charities, St Peter’s Hospice and the Dogs for Good as my mayoral charities during this term”.
Cllr Tom Aditya with Chancellor Rishi Sunak
Tomji, as he is colloquially known amongst his friends and community members, organised the Indian High Commission’s Consular Camp in Bristol and has been an inspiration for organising such consular camps for other nationalities in the region. He acts as a bridge between various communities. He is the first person of South-Indian origin outside the London metro region to be elected Councillor in the UK, the first South-Indian elected on the Conservative party ticket, and the first person of Indian and Asian heritage to be elected to a civic office in South Gloucestershire. Tom is also the first person of Indian origin to be elected Mayor in South West England.
Tom recalled that he faced many challenges in life, but he feels that such ordeals provided him with the experience to understand the world better. He said, “I believe politics should be first and foremost about getting things done for the people and not petty party-politics. My approach is always to bring excellent amenities to the residents, to deliver better quality services, and to enhance economic development whilst ensuring lower taxes, value for money, good governance, and fairness for all”. Tom added that as Mayor he wishes to reach out to all community groups, to enhance their activities, and to reinvigorate the community.
Cllr Tom Aditya with UK Home Secretary Priti Patel
Tom has been involved in starting public transport (bus routes) that connect Bradley Stoke with Bristol Temple Meads Train Station, Southmead Hospital, the University of West of England Campus, Thornbury, and Avonmouth. Furthermore, he was involved in the initiation of the ‘Bradley Stoke in Bloom’ project, the town’s beautification project, and supported the desilting of the Three Brooks Lake and its ecological conservation. Tom also served as the council representative for the Avon Local Councils Association, the International Twinning Committee, the Library Committee, and the Anti-Hate-Crime Committee.
He has been involved in various public offices in South West England. He is the Chairman of Bristol Multi-Faith Forum, an equality organisation established in 2004 by the Bristol City Council for inter-faith community cohesion, inter-cultural social harmony and civic wellbeing. Furthermore, Tom serves as an Ambassador of the NHS Blood and Organ Donation campaign. He initiated the idea of the ‘Love your Neighbour’ Award programme to recognise unsung community heroes and successfully organised the event at the Bristol Rovers Football Stadium. In 2010, he was part of a community initiative to establish community radio. Tom has also been in the forefront to hold the annual day celebrations to commemorate Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the father of Indian Renaissance, who passed away in 1833 at Bristol.
Cllr Tom Aditya with Sajid Javid MP, UK’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Aside from all of this, Tom is a member of the Bristol University Court and the West of England Community Transport Network Committee. He is also part of the Avon and Somerset Police Scrutiny Panel, and the Police Strategic Advisory Panel, which covers the Greater Bristol and Somerset region. Earlier, when burglary and anti-social behaviour complaints were increasing in the neighbourhood, Tom was instrumental in organising community safety meetings with the police to redress the grievances of the victims and to help people in their efforts to pursue a peaceful life and to protect their properties safely. Cllr Tom put up creative interventions at national and international levels for social justice, human rights and connectivity; he has many success stories to share in those endeavours.
Cllr Aditya was at the forefront in establishing a direct international flight service between London and Cochin in 2020, to repatriate seriously ill patients and to help stranded people during the covid lockdown, and to put up vaccination outreach clinics for the community. As a passion, Tom informally acts as an ambassador for Bristol and the West of England as he enjoys the area’s history, heritage and tourism, introducing many enthusiasts to the city and the region.
Cllr Tom Aditya with former UK Prime Minister David Cameron in 2012
Tom is hailing from south Indian state of Kerala, India. He studied Law and Economics at university and also did a Master’s degree in Management. Later, he undertook courses in UK Financial Services and Project Management and pursued an academic research in public administration and political science. He studied at various places and started his banking career as a financial advisor in 1995. He moved to the UK and settled at Bradley Stoke, Bristol in 2002. During the year 2006, he received the UK’s most productive financial consultant award. In 2011, Tom Aditya was recognised for his contributions to public service by the UK’s Overseas Indian Community, which has a strength of two million people and was given the Best Achievement Award by the famous philosopher and administrator Maharaja Dr Karan Singh.
Tom lives with his wife, Liny, and children, Abishek, Aleena, Albert, Adona and Alphons. His eldest son Abishek is doing an MSc in Aerospace Engineering at Bristol University, whilst the younger children are pursuing their studies at local colleges and secondary schools. In one of his previous assignments, Tom served as a project’s director for an overseas Engineering college and was instrumental in establishing various initiatives there. As a civic representative, Tom works relentlessly for the representation of people’s needs and concerns and harmoniously contributes to various streams of society.
Cllr Tom Aditya as Memeber of the Police Commissioner’s selection panel along with Avon and Somerset Police Commissioner, Mark Shelford and Thames Valley Police Commissioner Matthew Barber, 2021 December
Cllr Tom as a Blood donor, 2019
Cllr Tom Aditya with then UK Prime Minister Theresa May in 2017
While all sectors have faced challenges during the pandemic, around one in five of the jobs on furlough in London were in the accommodation and food services sector at the end of July…reports Asian Lite News.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is encouraging low paid Londoners and those facing unemployment when the furlough scheme ends to retrain for free and find good jobs in sectors with skills shortages.
London has the highest uptake of furlough in the country with around 8 per cent of eligible workers (297,100) still on furlough at the end of July 2021 against a UK average of 5 per cent. Eight of the ten local authorities with the highest furlough rates were in London. Hounslow, Newham, Barnet, Brent and Redbridge all had furlough rates of 10 per cent.
As furlough comes to an end, there is a risk that there will be a rise in unemployment as Londoners are no longer supported by the scheme. The Mayor is providing free training to low skilled and unemployed Londoners, regardless of their prior qualifications, “to help them get jobs in futureproof sectors of our economy that are vital to London’s recovery.”
Earlier this month, Sadiq announced a total package of £11m to help Londoners to gain qualifications and get jobs in the hospitality, digital, creative, green and health and social care sectors. These fully funded training opportunities will be delivered through local colleges and adult education providers across the city.
While all sectors have faced challenges during the pandemic, around one in five of the jobs on furlough in London were in the accommodation and food services sector at the end of July.
In the midst of this, UK businesses are facing a skills shortage caused by the perfect storm of COVID-19 and Brexit. According to the ONS, the total number of job vacancies in the UK reached a record high between June to August 2021.
“The end of furlough may signal the end of a regular income for many Londoners, with hundreds of people in the hospitality and service sector finding themselves out of work,” Khan said.
“I’m offering Londoners the chance to retrain or upskill for free and gain qualifications in futureproof industries that are key to London’s recovery from the pandemic. This funding will help many people find their feet after what has been an extraordinarily difficult 18 months,” he added.
The end of furlough will signal the end of a regular income for many. I want Londoners to have the access to the training they need to return to work, which is why I’ve invested £11million to offer them the chance to retrain and learn new skills—for free.
Shevone Parris was made redundant at the end of 2020 due to the pandemic. Shevone has since completed a cooking course at Westminster Kingsway College and has started up her own online food business with her partner.
Shevone said: “Losing my job made me sign up for the Culinary Arts cooking course at Westminster Kingsway College. It also gave me the inspiration to set up my business, Deliciously Fresh. I suppose everything happens for a reason.”
Each feature will be preceded by a short film showcasing a diverse range of emerging film talent, curated by the Barbican, Film London, BAFTA and BFI…reports Asian Lite News.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has joined with Richard Curtis, Simon Pegg, Mark Hamill, the team behind Rocks and leaders of the film industry to encourage Londoners and visitors to rediscover the joy of the big screen and help support the capital’s economy.
As part of the Mayor’s Let’s Do London campaign, Sadiq is working with BFI, BAFTA and Film London to promote cinemas and outdoor screenings and also encourage filmgoers to take advantage of the capital’s world class food and hospitality.
To celebrate the magic of film, the Mayor will be hosting six free screenings in Trafalgar Square later this month to bring 1,500 Londoners and visitors together in the heart of the capital for each film, with 150 tickets reserved especially for key workers at four screenings in recognition of their work throughout the pandemic.
From August 26-29, audiences will be able to enjoy a red carpet experience with a selection of matinee and evening screenings in the Square in partnership with Luna Cinema. The screenings will celebrate London’s importance in the film industry, with all the films either made or set in the capital. It includes screenings of Rocks, Skyfall, a Mary Poppins sing-along, Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV), Paddington 2 and Bend It Like Beckham.
Read their full thoughts along with those of filmmaker Richard Curtis, @BFI Chief Executive Ben Roberts (@bfiben), @BAFTA Chief Executive Amanda Berry (@BAFTACEO) + many more now, along with news about free film screenings in Trafalgar Square! 🤯https://t.co/GzPOCLRlw1
Each feature will be preceded by a short film showcasing a diverse range of emerging film talent, curated by the Barbican, Film London, BAFTA and BFI.
A new trailer celebrating the talent and diversity of London’s film industry and joy of going to watch a film on the big screen has also been created to encourage people back to the big screen.
Over the last five years, film and TV productions made in and around London generated more than £10bn for the UK economy, and the industry also supports the capital’s hospitality industry with cinemagoers able to enjoy the capital’s world-leading restaurants and hospitality businesses.
These industries have been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic, and that is why the Mayor launched his Let’s Do London campaign to remind Londoners and visitors of the amazing venues our capital has to offer.
“London is a global capital for film production and our cinemas are a huge draw for Londoners and tourists alike, but the last 17 months have been incredibly challenging for the whole industry,” Sadiq said.
“TV and boxsets helped so many of us through lockdown, but with cinemas opening their doors again and big screens installed in public spaces, I’m joining with industry leaders to encourage everyone to get Back to the Big Screen to rediscover the magic of film and also support our central London hospitality businesses.
Simon Pegg, actor, writer and producer, said: “I’m supporting the Mayor of London’s initiative to get people back into the capital’s world class cinemas. The pandemic has hit this integral part of London’s cultural heart, hard. It’s time to fill these spaces again and feel the thrill and magic of theatrical cinema.”
The mayor will be hosting six free screenings in #TrafalgarSquare later this month to bring 1,500 Londoners and visitors together in the heart of the capital for each film https://t.co/d35NG6woGU
— The Borough of Hounslow Herald (@hounslowherald) August 12, 2021
Richard Curtis, screenwriter, producer and director, said: “I’m really delighted to hear about this movie plan by the Mayor of London. Many of my happiest memories in London are to do with going to the cinema and then going on to enjoy all the other wonders of the city.”
Mark Hamill, actor, said:“The ultimate cinematic experience is seeing a film projected on a big screen in the presence of a live audience as they were meant to be. For movie lovers around the world there is no greater goal at this moment in time than getting back to the big screen.”
“As the Mayor of Tulsa, I apologise for the city government’s failure to protect our community in 1921 and to do right by the victims of the Race Massacre in its aftermath…reports Asian Lite News.
G.T. Bynum, Mayor of Tulsa where hundreds of Black people were killed 100 years ago, has apologised for the US city’s role in the massacre.
“Tulsa’s city government failed to protect Black Tulsans from murder and arson on the night of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and from discrimination in subsequent decades,” Bynum wrote in the statement posted online on Monday.
“As the Mayor of Tulsa, I apologise for the city government’s failure to protect our community in 1921 and to do right by the victims of the Race Massacre in its aftermath.
“The victims – men, women, young children – deserved better from their city, and I am so sorry they didn’t receive it,” Xinhua news agency quoted Bynum as saying.
The city in the state of Oklahoma is commemorating the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre centennial with events and ceremonies to honour the victims.
On the night of May 31, 1921, a white mob descended the prosperous, all-black neighbourhood of Greenwood in north Tulsa.
In less than 24 hours, the mob burned what had been known as “Black Wall Street” to the ground leaving more than 10,000 residents homeless.
The exact death toll was not recorded, but an estimated 300 people died in the tragedy.
Historians believed that mass graves could be located within the city where digging is conducted.
“London has been incredibly generous to me and I promise to continue giving my 100% to serve it,” he added…reports Asian Lite News.
Sadiq Khan, who was re-elected as Mayor of London last week, has reappointed India-born Rajesh Agrawal as the Deputy Mayor for Business in the England capital.
“I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity to serve Londoners for the second term as their Deputy Mayor for business,” Agrawal wrote on twitter.
I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity to serve Londoners for the second term as their Deputy Mayor for business.
London has been incredibly generous to me and I promise to continue giving my 100% to serve it. pic.twitter.com/rpkEySfgSY
“London has been incredibly generous to me and I promise to continue giving my 100% to serve it,” he added.
Born and raised in Indore, India, Rajesh moved to London in 2001 with £200 in his pocket. As an entrepreneur he founded two global businesses from scratch – RationalFX in 2005, and Xendpay in 2014, both companies utilising technology to reduce the cost of international money transfer for businesses and individuals.
He was first appointed in this role in 2016 and has since driven business & economic brief from London’s City Hall through the unprecedented crisis caused by Brexit & COVID-19.
The Mayor on Tuesday also announced key senior appointments who will work with him to “drive forward London’s recovery from the pandemic and create a fairer, more equal and more prosperous city.”
Sadiq has made ‘jobs, jobs, jobs’ a top priority for his second term in office and has vowed to do everything he can to put young Londoners at the heart of the capital’s recovery.
