Scrutinising the Mayor articles

Sadiq Khan cannot run away from responsibility on Crossrail

Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the news of further delays to the opening of Crossrail, said:

“Covid might partly explain these latest delays, but they are only part of the picture as even Crossrail admits.

“The consequences of Crossrail opening two and half years late are immense. The project has soared in cost and every day it is not open valuable fare income is being lost to TfL and this vital new railway is not open to Londoners.‎

Londoners pay the bill for the Mayor and Government's political games

Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the news that most train fares will rise by 1.6% from 2 January 2021, but TfL fares will rise by 2.6% due to Government set conditions on TfL said:

“This exceptionally high fare rise for TfL passengers makes it clear that Londoners continue to pay the price for the political games being played by the Mayor and the Government.

It is time Sadiq Khan ensured Londoners were no longer peddled misleading claims on Crossrail

Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the announcement of the further delayed opening of Crossrail said:

“We should never forget that the central section of Crossrail was promised to open in December 2018. It is now clear that we’ll be lucky if it opens by the end of 2021.

“This further delay is terrible news, for passengers and London’s businesses. The hole in TfL’s budget is also set to become even bigger.

Londoners need total honesty on Crossrail

Pressed by Caroline Pidgeon at Mayor's Question Time in July, the Mayor has admitted that the central section of Crossrail is now very unlikely to be open by summer 2021.

Caroline said:

"Clarification is vital so Londoners know when the line will finally open.

“For too long Crossrail has been plagued by unrealistic progress reports and misleading claims made to the public.

Supporting the vital work of Sistah Space

Caroline has written to the mayor to advocate for Sistah SPACE Against Domestic Abuse, a Hackney-based domestic violence charity focussed on supporting and helping women and girls of African heritage across London. They have been evicted from their offices, and Hackney Council has asked them to move to a wholly unsuitable premises.

Caroline has stressed to the mayor that it's essential for Sistah Space to remain in the premises they are in, or find alternative, appropriate accommodation so that they can carry on their essential work.

Working for Londoners through the COVID crisis

The last three months have been like no other period any of us can remember.

Caroline has continued to work hard as a London Assembly Member during this time. Here is an overview of some of the issues she has been raising since March.

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