Sir Keir Starmer has praised Sadiq Khan’s commitment to clean air in London after urging the mayor to “reflect” on the expansion of the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) last year.
The divisive policy, which widened the area polluting vehicles could be charged to drive in, attracted fierce opposition from both Conservative and Labour politicians.
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It was widely blamed on Labour’s failure to take Boris Johnson’s old Uxbridge seat after the former prime minister resigned last summer – with Sir Keir, who lives in north west London, refusing to back the scheme.
However in a display of strengthened ties between the pair, the Labour leader said he did not want his children to “breathe in dirty air” as he listed clean air as one of Mr Khan’s achievements.
Appearing alongside Mr Khan for the launch of the mayor’s re-election campaign Sir Keir said: “I say to people who challenge me on cleaner air, I’ve got two kids.
“They’re 15 and 13. I wouldn’t give them dirty water to drink and I wouldn’t want them to breathe in dirty air.”
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A Labour source said the comments are “entirely consistent” with what Sir Keir has said before – pointing to an interview with the BBC in which he made similar remarks about the need for cleaner air.
Sky ‘didn’t fall in’ after ULEZ expansion
Addressing the strength of the backlash at his campaign launch, Mr Khan quipped that despite people being hostile to the policy “the sky didn’t fall in”.
He said: “We then expanded it to outer London and here’s the great news – 19 out of 20 cars seen travelling on an average day are compliant… they don’t pay a penny more.”
ULEZ is not the only policy area where there has been a difference of position between Mr Khan and the Labour leadership in Westminster.
The London mayor has called for a “pragmatic debate” on re-joining the single market – something Sir Keir has ruled out.
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Mr Khan has also rolled out free school meals for primary school children in London – something the Labour leadership has refused to commit to, emphasising instead its pledge to introduce breakfast clubs in a bid to address child hunger.
However, Sir Keir said he would be able to enact “great change” with “my friend Sadiq” if Labour were able to govern from both Downing Street and City Hall.
The London mayor also played down the prospect of problems emerging from any differences in position.
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“Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, Angela Rayner, the entire shadow cabinet are united in their support for devolving more powers and resources to cities and regions across the country.
“What’s right for Redbridge in London might not be right for Redcar. What’s right for Bermondsey might not be right for Birmingham. And so I’m quite clear – it’s not a one-size fits all solution.”
Mr Khan is seeking a historic third term in office when voters in London go to the polls on 2 May.
