Tell Sadiq Khan to take action to clean up London's air

A message from Friends of the Earth

As an asthma sufferer living in London, I can always tell when the air is particularly dirty. And when air quality alerts appeared at bus stops and tube stations all over London last week, the problem was even more obvious. It’s a sad truth that on bad days, I often have to get off my bike to use my inhaler so I can breathe properly. Sometimes it’s not safe for me to cycle at all. This is one of the reasons I’m so glad to see the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, is asking us how he should clean up London’s air.   Have your say about London's air It gets worse. Air pollution puts millions of lives across the capital at risk. It’s responsible for nearly 10,000 early deaths in our city every single year. Sadiq Khan has said he wants everyone in London to breathe clean air. But the options he’s put forward won’t bring down pollution levels fast enough. Right now, he’s asking everyone in London what they think of his plans. This is your chance to tell Sadiq to toughen up his proposals to make a real difference. Tell the Mayor to clean up our air London is our home and we deserve better. The Mayor must protect Londoners' lungs and take the action we desperately need to clean up our air. Many thanks for all you do. Sophie, London campaigner

DETAIL FROM FoE

Friends of the Earth’s views on the Mayor’s autumn 2016 air pollution consultation

November 2016

The London Mayor is consulting on “New proposals to improve Air Quality - Have your say on the introduction of a new Emissions Surcharge and ideas for improving Ultra Low Emission Zone” which closes on 18^th December 2016

https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/environment/air-quality-consultation-phase-2/?cid=airquality-consultation#_ftnref1.  

Click here to respond to the consultation on the Friends of the Earth website

Context and timeframe

The government’s recent defeat in the High Court (http://www.clientearth.org/major-victory-health-uk-high-court-government-inaction-air-pollution/ ) found that the government’s plans for Nitrogen Dioxide air pollution did not include the measures necessary to bring air pollution within EU legal limits “as soon as possible” as is required. So now stronger measures will be needed to clean up our air quicker, and the government will also have to re-model air pollution on more realistic and less optimistic assumptions.

Along with the rest of the UK, there will need to be measures adopted so that London will meet EU legal limits sooner than the government had originally planned – which for London was previously 2025 (when these limits should have been met by 2010 or 2015 at the very latest).

In other UK cities Clean Air Zones will need to be in place to ensure legal limits are met as soon as possible, and rather than 2020 as previously planned, this must be earlier now - we understand that 2 cities have said Clean Air Zones can be in place 2018.

And to avoid Londoners having to be exposed to illegal levels of air pollution longer than other parts of the UK, London must evaluate what measures, including having a strengthened and widened ULEZ in place, would be needed for to it to comply by 2018 too.

The Mayor must look at what possible measures could be introduced by which earliest possible dates – the law requires that this must be irrespective of cost or any political difficulty. Critical judgements must be made on how best to protect the health of Londoners and avoid as many as possible of the nearly 10,000 premature deaths a year air pollution is responsible for in the capital.

Emissions Surcharge (ES) or T-Charge

The Mayor proposes this additional charge for the dirtiest vehicles using the Central London Congestion Charge Zone as an interim measure before the Ultra-Low Emission Zone comes in.

We support this charge as it is important to take immediate steps to improve air pollution, but think that this should also include the newest diesels, at least for cars. We also think that private hire vehicles should not be exempt.

Ideas for the future of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone/ULEZ

The Mayor must strengthen the ULEZ so that it is London-wide for all vehicles including cars – not just as is currently proposed to stop at the North and South Circular roads, and with ULEZ standards only applying London-wide for heavy vehicles. The ULEZ should effectively replace and strengthen the existing London-wide Low-Emission Zone. With a London-wide scheme in place for all vehicle types all the necessary levers would be in place and the scheme could be progressively adjusted as needed.

Bringing forward the ULEZ in Central London

Plans to bring forward the ULEZ from 2020 to 2019 are welcome but even earlier introduction must be evaluated, including for it to be in place by 2018 – including as strengthened and widened as per the below.

Expanding ULEZ London wide for heavy vehicles, buses and coaches

This is welcome, but the Mayor must set up the ULEZ to be London-wide for all vehicle types including Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) and cars, so that all the levers are in place and adjustments can be made as necessary.

Expanding the ULEZ up to the North and South Circular roads

This is welcome, but the Mayor must expand the ULEZ out to be London-wide, where the current Low-Emission Zone / LEZ boundary already is, so that all the levers are in place and adjustments can be made as necessary.

Complementary measures needed

Action is needed in London to ensure vehicles are cleaner, but also that there are fewer of them – all vehicles produce air pollution from tyre and brake wear, and cause congestion which is bad for business.

This will require a mix of measures including planning our communities so that people don’t need to travel unnecessarily to reach key amenities and work opportunities, making cycling safer and public transport more affordable, consolidating the myriad freight movements in our city, and not adding to the air pollution problem such as with new road-building.

The Mayor has reviewed plans for Thames river crossings in East London which included 3 road crossings, and while improvements have been made, he is still currently pursuing at least a new 4-lane Silvertown road tunnel. This would mean worse pollution for some places which would not be acceptable – instead a comprehensive package of non-road crossings and complementary measures must be considered.

https://www.london.gov.uk/transport/londons-river-transport/more-river-crossings-all-londoners-0?utm_expid=121236727-13.sQogpOA6RqGkfppc0lk0kQ.1&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.london.gov.uk%2Ftransport%2Flondons-river-transport

The government also needs to do more to enable London to do more, both directly such as restricting the sale of dirty vehicles, changes to road-tax to discourage diesels, a scrappage scheme for the dirtiest vehicles, and also to enable more powers for the London Mayor and for Local Authorities.

Contact: Jenny Bates, Friends of the Earth Air Pollution Campaigner: jenny.bates@foe.co.uk

Brent Council steps up action on air quality

When Mayor Boris Johnson concealed London's air pollution crisis as much as he could so Sadiq Khan deserves praise for bringing the issue out into the open, with Green AM Caroline Russell providing much of the pressure. Last week's alerts to Londoners demonstrate the seriousness of the issue.

Brent Council's Cabinet is due to approve the Council's own Air Quality Action Plan for consultation. The Action Plan opens with a declaration:

Brent council acknowledges the impact of poor air quality on health and the need for action to reduce or eliminate air pollution where possible. In Brent it is estimated that 200 premature deaths occur each year which are directly attributable to air pollution as well as further unquantified premature deaths where air quality is a factor. We accept air quality in Brent is poor and recognise significant intervention is required to improve local air quality for all. We have made some progress but accept that further work is needed to meet this challenge. Our air quality action plan demonstrates we are taking this issue seriously and will endeavour to tackle air pollution at source or reduce exposure where this is not possible. 

We will demonstrate our leadership by exploring options for low emission neighbourhoods, promotion of low emission vehicles and fuels where possible, reduce pollutant emissions from our buildings and vehicles and develop meaningful partnerships with others to get the most out of our air quality action measures.

We recognise air pollution as a shared problem and everyone must play their part to commit to continue to work with our communities to achieve air quality improvement. As we understand more about air pollution and the impact on health, we want to empower our residents to make informed choices about their options for travel and participate in decisions about air quality in the areas they live and work in. We must commit to safeguarding those at highest risk to provide additional information and limit or prohibit the development of areas where air quality is likely to be made worse. 

Not all air quality improvements can be delivered directly by our actions and so we will develop partnerships with other Local Authorities, the London Mayor, and other agencies where appropriate to maximise resources where we can and realise wider air quality benefits from our actions. 

We will commit to keeping this air quality action plan under review and will continue to identify new opportunities for air quality action in response to changes in legislation or local air quality as the need arises.

Our ultimate aim is to secure clean air for all especially for those at greatest risk or in the worst affected areas in the borough. We accept that this is likely to be a challenge to fulfil, but commit to investing in air quality action for improvement now and in the future. .

Brent's current Air Quality Management Area

The Action Plan acknowledges the impact of poor air quality on different sections of Brent's population:

...some areas of the Borough are more likely to be affected by poor air quality than others as the wider problems of poverty; deprivation and general poor health make people more vulnerable to the effects of pollution. This contributes to an almost 9-year difference in life expectancy between the most affluent and least affluent wards in the Borough. The council is committed to reducing this gap.

Four Air Quality Action Areas are proposed:

0. The revised action plan includes the creation of four Air Quality Action Areas (AQAA) or hotspots, as Neasden town centre, Church End, the Kilburn Regeneration Area, and Wembley and Tokyngton. These areas were selected based on traffic volumes and levels of traffic emissions, and have been identified as areas of planned development and aligned with the priority areas identified in the current Borough Plan. Brent will develop strategic policies and localised focussed air quality measures in these areas. 
   
   

They will:

·      provide extra assistance and support to ensure that all schools within the AQAAs have and use school travel plans, reducing vehicle use associated with schools, regularly reviewing targets for reducing air pollution and establishing programmes for raising awareness; 


·       provide assistance and support to businesses within the AQAAs with large fleets to have and utilise travel plans. The council and businesses will agree targets for emission reductions; 


·      Identify possible Low Emission Neighbourhoods in each AQAA and draft implementation plans for areas within each; 


·      Consider these sites within these areas as highest priority for public realm improvements (such as additional green infrastructure) especially where there are 
 those at highest risk or the most susceptible are located such as schools, residential properties and hospitals 

·       to educate and raise awareness about local air quality; - working with communities and public health professionals to protect and inform the most vulnerable 

The Plan lists detailed action points for each of these areas:

• Emissions from new developments and buildings
• Public health and community engagement
• Delivery servicing and freight
• Exposure reduction measures
• Cleaner transpor

See the full action points in Appendix 1 below:

 

Click bottom right to enlarge.

Greens call for immediate and full reinstatement of suspended lecturer Indro Sen

Indro Sen

Peter Murry, Trade Union Liaison officer for the London Federation of Green Parties and for Brent Green Party has issued the following statement in support of Indro Sen, suspended by the management of the College of North West London:

As Trade Union Liaison Officer for the London Federation of Green Parties and for Brent Green Party, I was shocked to learn of the suspension of Indro Sen as a lecturer at the College of North West London. It is suggested that this is because of his strong opposition to a proposed merger with the City of Westminster College, and his support at an employment tribunal, of a sacked colleague’s claim of unfair dismissal and victimisation.

Both of these are actions are entirely proper for a University and College Union Branch Secretary to carry out. If Indro Sen’s suspension is a result of his performing the legitimate duties of a UCU Officer, then he himself seems to be threatened with unfair treatment and victimisation.

As a former Lecturer in the College and a retired member of UCU , I am saddened that the College, which provides a valued service to the communities of North West London., and Brent in particular, might bring itself into disrepute because of its treatment of Indro Sen. I am sure that members and supporters of the Green Party, UCU members , and the local communities will support my call for the immediate and full reinstatement of Indro Sen as a lecturer at the College and no further interference with his activities as UCU Branch Secretary.

Friends of the Earth International ally themselves with US resistance to Trump

Friends of the Earth International have just issued the following unusually strong statement from their meeting In Lampung, Indonesia:

We, Friends of the Earth International, the largest federation of grassroots environmental justice organizations from 75 countries, gathered at our Biennial General Meeting 2016 held in Lampung, Indonesia, resolve to challenge, reject and resist the perverse and offensive policies and inflammatory rhetoric of Donald Trump. The election of Donald Trump is an affront to our collective vision of a society of interdependent people living in harmony, wholeness and fulfillment based in principles of equity and human rights.

We recognize that the rise of Trump is a manifestation of a deeply troubling global trend of xenophobia, authoritarianism and racism.

We condemn Trump’s bigotry and his statements that have threatened and denigrated women, people of color, immigrants, Muslims, LGBTQ people, and the differently abled. His rhetoric has stoked the flames of division, prejudice, hostility and hate; as we witness an increase in hate crimes in the United States, we reaffirm our commitment to create a society built on equity and diversity.

We refuse to legitimize, let alone support, his arbitrary and regressive policy proposals, including those that further deregulate industry, concentrate wealth and political power, eviscerate the social safety net, promote militarism, and erode human and civil rights. Among his most egregious and unconstitutional proposals are plans to deport undocumented immigrants en masse, to construct a southern border wall, and to create a registry for Muslims – all proposals that evoke the darkest days in our collective history, and to which we say, never again. Rooted in our commitment to equity, interdependence and community, we reaffirm our dedication to a society of inclusiveness and care for the most vulnerable, and assert our resistance to totalitarianism and fundamentalism in all its forms.

We express our outrage at his hubris and disdain for environmental protection, particularly with respect to climate change. His climate denialism, and that of his deputies, threatens to undo decades of progress in the U.S. and around the world. Drawing on the power of our grassroots base, and the strength of our global federation, we are fiercely committed to not let one man, nor one country, deny the validity of climate science and the popular will to stop momentum on climate action.

The election of Donald Trump reminds us that for millions of people in the United States there exists a shared experience of neo-liberalism and corporate globalization that has left them disenfranchised and angry. The harshness of this system of dominance has created economic insecurity, rising inequality, social alienation and political marginalization. The response to this experience must not be used to fuel corporate nationalism, xenophobia, racism, misogyny and the further destruction of our planet. 

We remind ourselves that the story of the 2016 U.S. election was not only about Donald Trump, but also the ascension of progressive political values to a level never seen in recent U.S. history. Senator Bernie Sanders, who drew 1.5 million people to rallies across the country, noted that “Election days come and go. But political and social revolutions that attempt to transform our society never end. They continue every day, every week and every month in the fight to create a nation of social and economic justice.”

Be it resolved, Friends of the Earth International expresses our deep solidarity with the growing resistance in the United States which refuses to normalize and legitimize Donald Trump’s inflammatory and irresponsible approach to public policy. We encourage and support positive actions by social movements, civil society groups and governments around the world to resist, discredit, and delegitimize Donald Trump’s odious exercise of power to inflame division and hate, and we encourage instead actions oriented towards building a world of equity, justice and peace.

Voter choice the loser in Richmond by-election say Electoral Reform Society

Commenting on the Richmond by-election, Katie Ghose, Chief Executive of the Electoral Reform Society, said:

In all the excitement of the Richmond by-election, one thing has gone missing – and that’s voter choice.

Because of our broken electoral system, people in Richmond had a seriously limited slate of candidates to choose from. Many felt forced to vote for candidates who were not their first choice, understandably putting tactics above the expression of their democratic will. It should be obvious that in the 21^st century, no one should feel forced to choose between head and heart.

The Greens, Conservatives and UKIP all opted to stand aside – a decision that no party should have to make, and a denial of democracy. The fact that this happened on both the left and the right shows that the sorry state of our electoral system hurts everyone across the political spectrum.

Tactical voting is a scourge on our democracy. This is what happens when a two-party voting system collides with the reality of modern politics. It leaves both voters and parties worse off.

With a proportional system for national elections, and Alternative Vote for by-elections, the problem is massively reduced. You don’t have to ‘hold your nose’ when you vote – you give your first preference to the party you actually support, and if they don’t have enough support to win, your vote is moved to your second choice. It’s not hard. No more accusations of parties being ‘spoilers’ and handing the seat to x, y or z.

It’s time we put paid to the awkward and unnecessary debates about ‘spoiler’ candidates. The way to do that is to have a voting system where it’s always possible for voters to vote for their preferred party. That, surely, is not such a radical idea.

Cllr Butt takes over Cllr Mitchell Murray's lead member role for time being

Following rumours circulating in the Brent Civic Centre 'village' about the Cabinet role of Cllr Wilhelmina Mitchell Murray, lead member for children and young people, a Brent Council spokesperson said:

"Cllr Wilhelmina Mitchell Murray has informed us that sheis currently unwell and hopes to return in January. Cllr Butt is currently carrying out her statutory duties."

Cllr Mitchell Murray is one of the three Wembley Central councillors. The others are Cllr Krupa Sheth and Cllr Sam Stopp.

What are the benefits of early childhood bilingualism? Preston Library 1.30pm Monday

WANTED new political advisor for Butt and co

Following the resignation of Luke Francis, Cllr Butt and the Brent Labour Group of councillors will be looking for a new political advisor.

Francis (no relation) succeeded Jack Stenner, Richard Bell and Daniel Elton in the post.

Any suggestions for the Person Specification and essential skills/personal attributes?

As a reminder this is what the information pack for recruitment of a new CEO said about working with Cllr Butt:

0. What is the Leader like to work with?
   
• Generally pretty relaxed
  
• Non-bureaucratic; informal and engaging
  
• Prefers informal conversations to emails; likes personal, face to face
  interaction
  
• Likes people who just get on and deliver, and do what they say
  
• Has an open-door policy; comfortable relating to staff, partners, business
  and the community
  
• Comfortable with being checked and challenged re what he can do or what
  is possible
  
• Trusts his gut instinct
  
• A fulltime Leader of the Council – but not intrusive or interfering