The extension to the ultra low emission zone is coming to an outer borough near you. The High Court has today ruled that the scheme can go ahead as scheduled on August 29, rejecting arguments made by five Conservative councils that it is unlawful.
The decision is a victory for Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has faced not only public anger over the policy, but also the dissatisfaction of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who attributed a loss at the Uxbridge by-election to Ulez.
But to prevent this from being merely a technical victory, the Mayor must do more to generate buy-in from Londoners. Some of that will happen when the plan comes into effect and the vast majority of car owners realise they are not subject to the charge. A more generous scrappage scheme would also smooth out opposition. Communication is vital. While good comms cannot fix bad policy, good policy can be sunk by a failure to demonstrate why the extension is necessary, and the benefits it will bring.
It is thought that the five councils have ploughed more than half a million pounds of taxpayer’s money bringing the judicial case. No more should be wasted. London now has the green light for cleaner air.
Great emissions test
Sir Tony Blair has raised hackles by suggesting Britain should not obsess with cutting its carbon emissions. He says the country should “play its part” but that any action we take will be dwarfed by bigger players such as China.
In a narrow sense, this is true. The UK is ‘only’ in the global top 20 of emitters, though this ignores historic contributions for which we are responsible, as the first nation to industrialise. Where the ex-PM’s analysis is stronger is that Britain, alongside other rich nations, ought to do more to help poorer nations to grow their economies without ramping up their own emissions. Top of the agenda must be ensuring the rich world meets its $100 billion a year climate finance target for low and middle-income nations.
With a challenge as existential as climate change, the reality is we must do more of everything. Not only to ensure a habitable planet for future (and indeed current) generations, but also to deliver the jobs and growth that will power the British economy over the next century.
Toasting Brangelina
It is a divorce that makes Brexit look like a simple division of assets. Finally, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt appear set to end their years-long legal battle over a vineyard, dubbed the War of the Rosé.
We hope it will be a lasting settlement rather than merely peace in our vine.
