London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a furious counter-attack against his Conservative rival Susan Hall, branding her claims that he "lied" over Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) data as proof she is "out of touch" with the health crisis caused by the capital's toxic air.
The political row erupted after Ms. Hall seized on a recent Transport for London (TfL) report, claiming it proved the Mayor had been dishonest about the scheme's impact. Mr. Khan has now hit back with full force, defending his flagship policy and accusing the Tory candidate of peddling misinformation.
At the Heart of the Row: A Battle Over Clean Air Data
The controversy centres on the effectiveness of the ULEZ expansion. Mr. Khan has consistently pointed to data showing a significant reduction in the number of older, more polluting vehicles on London's roads and a consequent improvement in air quality.
In his robust defence, the Mayor stated: "The facts are clear. Our air is dirtier than it should be, it leads to chronic illness and to children growing up with stunted lungs." He emphasised that the ULEZ policy is a direct response to a public health emergency, not a revenue-raising exercise.
Khan's Defence: A Matter of Public Health
Mr. Khan's response framed the debate around the well-being of Londoners, particularly the most vulnerable. He highlighted the stark reality of air pollution, linking it to thousands of premature deaths annually and the development of life-changing conditions like asthma and cancer in children.
He accused his opponent of ignoring this human cost, stating her comments demonstrated a worrying disregard for the scientific evidence and the lives affected. For Khan, the policy is an essential measure to protect the city's health, a stance he believes Hall fundamentally misunderstands.
A Heated Exchange as the Mayoral Race Intensifies
This fiery exchange marks a significant escalation in the campaign for City Hall. With the election drawing closer, the ULEZ expansion remains a pivotal and divisive issue. Khan's aggressive rebuttal is a clear signal that he intends to stand firm on his environmental policy and challenge what he sees as misleading attacks head-on.
The outcome of this debate is likely to resonate deeply with voters, forcing them to choose between a Mayor advocating for aggressive environmental action and a challenger criticising the financial burden of such policies on residents and businesses.
