The inquiry will probe the supply of batteries for electric vehicle manufacturing in the UK and the viability of production in the UK (John Walton/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)Today, the Evening Standard has launched the next phase of our plan to take London electric, with a new report calling for the key measures to make it happen. Our Plug It In drive aims to clean up the capital’s toxic air by making it easier and cheaper for motorists to ditch their petrol and diesel cars and switch to zero tailpipe emission vehicles.
Clean air is not an extra or add-on. The particulate matter spluttered out by internal combustion engines seeps into our bloodstream on a journey to our hearts and lungs. Thousands die in London every year because of pollution. It ought not be dismissed as the cost of doing business.
To that end, our paper calls for a series of essential interventions to kick-start the electric vehicle revolution, including scrapping VAT on public chargers, devising an Oyster-style card giving Londoners access to all charging points and a flat rate across the city, as well removing petrol and diesel cars from our roads as soon as possible.
Progress is being made. The number of electric vehicles rose by 53 per cent in the 12 months to last September. Sadiq Khan has made air quality central to his role as London Mayor, and as chair of the C40 network of mayors of nearly 100 cities is working with policymakers to confront the climate crisis.
Of course, there is so much further to go. The 21st century will hopefully not be powered by dirty fossil fuels that clog our lungs and warm our planet, but by clean energy driving carbon-free technologies.
Sturgeon filip for Keir
Sir Keir Starmer may have hoped that his latest speech on Labour’s transformation would dominate the day. He marked the moment of his party no longer being placed under special measures by the equalities watchdog over its unlawful handling of antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyn. Starmer also rightly confirmed that his predecessor would not be allowed to stand as a Labour MP at the next election. Of course, the resignation of Scotland’s First Minister somewhat stole his thunder.
Yet that may prove portentous. While independence seems as far away as ever, Nicola Sturgeon led the SNP to three landslide general election victories in Scotland. She will be sorely missed by her party. Labour, on the other hand, will hope her departure can deliver a handful of additional seats in Scotland, where it holds just one.
Starmer has changed his party since the dark days of Jeremy Corbyn. But all opposition parties need help from their rivals.
Fashion Week is back
London Fashion Week returns in some style, and this year’s event is dedicated to the late Vivienne Westwood and her undoubted legacy. It is also another chance to show off not only the capital’s fashion but culture and technology to the world. Time to bring it to the runway.
