In the volatile field of UK politics, the issue of clean air policies has emerged as a battleground, particularly in the context of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

London’s Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan has been a staunch advocate for expanding the ULEZ, a policy aimed at reducing air pollution by charging older, more polluting vehicles a daily fee of £12.50. This initiative is a crucial part of addressing what Khan calls a “public health emergency” and tackling climate change. However, the expansion into Greater London has faced significant backlash, particularly in car-dependent areas like Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

In December 2022, Starmer backed Khan’s plan to expand the ULEZ. This seemed to align with Labour’s broader environmental commitments. However, as the Uxbridge by-election approached, Starmer’s stance began to waver. The expansion was a hot topic among voters, many of whom opposed the scheme due to its financial implications. Siding with his candidate Danny Beales, who called for a delay to the ULEZ expansion, Starmer’s support for the policy became lukewarm. Even as the implementation date loomed, Starmer refrained from fully endorsing Khan’s timeline.

Labour’s failure to secure the seat was attributed to the contentious ULEZ expansion. In the aftermath, Starmer made a significant U-turn, abandoning Labour’s commitment to introduce ULEZ zones across the country. This shift was seen as a bid to align with public sentiment and avoid alienating voters ahead of future elections.

Khan, unwavering in his stance, criticized the delay as irresponsible, emphasizing the urgency of addressing air pollution and climate change. He argued that delaying the ULEZ expansion equates to ignoring a pressing public health crisis.

Starmer’s U-turn on the ULEZ policy exemplifies a broader dilemma in contemporary politics: the tension between principled leadership and pragmatic electioneering. While his decision may resonate with voters in the short term, it raises serious questions about Labour’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges which was also the case when the Green New Deal investments were watered down.

SOURCES

1st Video: 'We have a massive air pollution problem': Sir Keir Starmer supports ULEZ expansion to ‘entirety of Greater London’ - https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/nick-ferrari/massive-air-pollution-problem-sir-keir-starmer-supports-ulez-expansion/

2nd Video: Uxbridge by-election: Keir Starmer won't say whether he backs ULEZ expansion - https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-66124191

3. Sir Keir Starmer scraps idea for Ulez-style zones across the country - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2023/08/12/keir-starmer-ulez-clean-air-zones-scrapped/

4. Sir Keir Starmer backs Sadiq Khan's extend Ulez plans for Bucks - https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/23640709.sir-keir-starmer-backs-sadiq-khans-extended-ulez-plans-bucks/