A coalition of football groups, political parties, and business leaders has launched a campaign urging Sadiq Khan and Transport for London (TfL) to expand the Night Tube service on weeknights during the World Cup. The initiative, spearheaded by the Liberal Democrats, aims to help supporters of England and Scotland travel home safely after late kick-offs and to bolster the capital's night-time economy.
Cross-Party and Industry Support
The campaign has garnered backing from the Football Supporters Association (FSA), representing over 500,000 fans, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), the Conservative Party, and Labour MP Dawn Butler. Liberal Democrats Transport Spokesperson Olly Glover MP stated: 'We want to see tube services expanded to give people the opportunity to enjoy the World Cup without worrying about how they will get home safely.'
England’s 9pm match against Ghana on June 23 ends around 11pm, while Scotland’s match against Brazil on June 24 finishes close to 2am. If England progresses to the knock-out stages, the round of 16 match against Mexico on July 16 is scheduled for a 1am start. The Liberal Democrats argue that without extended services, fans risk being stranded or facing complicated journeys home when the Tube shuts at midnight on weeknights.
Economic and Safety Arguments
Analysis by YouGov indicates that three in five viewers are more likely to stay home for overnight matches rather than go to bars and pubs. Despite this, fans across the UK are expected to spend £900 million at venues during the tournament. NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: 'Major events drive significant footfall into hospitality and entertainment venues, but their success depends on people being able to move safely and confidently across the city. Extending services will help ensure fans are not left stranded and can travel home safely.'
The Heart of London Business Alliance, representing over 500 businesses, agreed that extending the Night Tube would 'create a huge boost for the hospitality, leisure and the night-time economy' but called for clarity on funding for policing and stewarding. Pubs have already been allowed to stay open later during the World Cup, with licensing hours extended to 1am for games kicking off between 5pm and 9pm, and to 2am for those starting between 9pm and 10pm.
Political Pressure and TfL Response
Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Nigel Huddleston MP encouraged Khan to expand services, saying: 'It’s not without precedent for travel services to be extended and expanded to satisfy fan surges. An extension would support pubs and bars and sustain jobs.' Labour MP Dawn Butler added: 'Football fans shouldn’t have to choose between supporting their national team and getting home safely.'
TfL, however, stressed that the Tube network must remain closed on other nights for essential maintenance. A TfL spokesperson said: 'Our night-time transport network features more than 100 bus routes to help people travel across London. Parts of the Tube and Overground operate on Friday and Saturday nights because we can complete essential maintenance on other nights. Moving these engineering works is challenging and would compromise our ability to operate the best possible service.'
Concerns Over Heatwave and Staffing
Some have raised concerns about pressures on TfL staff working through a 40°C heatwave this week. The campaign has nonetheless found cross-party support, with the Liberal Democrats writing to the Mayor, calling the move 'an open goal for TfL.'
