Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has sparked controversy by flying to New York for a four-day trip to attend a United Nations climate summit. The journey, which covers approximately 5,700 miles, comes just three weeks after the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), a policy that has drawn significant criticism.
Khan is scheduled to speak at the UN climate ambition summit on Wednesday and will also meet with US business leaders and investors interested in London. His itinerary includes appearances on American TV shows, participation in New York's 'climate week', and a discussion at Columbia University.
The mayor chairs the C40 network of global city mayors, which is funding his visit. He will preside over a steering committee meeting, where mayors who did not travel will join remotely. During these private sessions, Khan is expected to update colleagues on London's progress, including an assessment of Ulez, amid ongoing political difficulties.
A City Hall spokesperson said the trip aims to encourage more Americans to visit London this autumn. Khan stated he was 'honoured' to be invited and is determined for London to remain a world leader in tackling air pollution and the climate emergency. Critics, however, have questioned the environmental impact of his long-haul flight to a climate conference.
