London politicians and business leaders on Friday urged the Government not to forget the “pivotal role” the capital plays in levelling-up the UK and the funding it needs to reach green targets.
Ahead of the spending review next week, cross-party groups were lobbying for the capital to be awarded subsidies for infrastructure it needs to recover from the pandemic and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
The projects requiring funds include:
Universal full-fibre and wireless internet to make London a “smart city”.
More electric vehicle chargers.
Improving defences in areas which have been hit by flash floods.
The Bakerloo line upgrade and extension, which it is said will support 130,000 jobs and help deliver 100,000 homes.
A report by Central London Forward (CLF), which represents the 12 central councils, found that investing in infrastructure will be “vital both to supporting the transition to net zero and adapting to the threats posed by climate change”.
Chairwoman of CLF and leader of Kensington and Chelsea council Elizabeth Campbell said: “We are ready to work with Government to ensure we can deliver the infrastructure our city needs.”
John Dickie, chief executive of London First, said: “London is one of the world’s most dynamic and successful economies because of the innovation and ingenuity of its businesses and their people. In turn, they rely on ... world-class infrastructure that supports growth and enhances the sustainability of our city.”
Co-chairs of the all-party parliamentary group for London Sir Bob Neill and Feryal Clark wrote in a letter to the Standard that the capital “has a pivotal role to play in levelling-up the UK” and called for the review to give funding to aid a post-pandemic economic recovery.
