Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on today’s Judicial Review decision upholding Newham Council’s decision to significantly expand London City Airport said:
"Many people in east and south east London are already facing serious problems with noise and disturbance from air flights. Today's decision provides the green light to increased misery for many more Londoners.
Caroline Pidgeon, commenting on the replies from the Mayor of London and the Commissioner for Transport for London, following her questioning today about the value of money of the new bus for London said:
"Despite spending a staggering £7.5 million there will be just five of these new buses on the roads by the time Boris Johnson’s term of office comes to an end. Boris Johnson promised far more to Londoners.
Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, speaking ahead of the Mayor’s seminar on the “need” for increased aviation capacity in London and the South East, said:
"Boris Johnson's position on airports is full of contradictions. He opposed the expansion of City Airport in his election, yet once in office he has been happy to support its substantial expansion. He has also spent the last two years backing the fantasy idea of an airport in the Thames Estuary - uniting every council and environmental group against him.
The Liberal Democrat Group on the London Assembly - Caroline Pidgeon, Dee Doocey and Mike Tuffrey - went up to Oldham on Saturday 8th January to help out in the Oldham East and Saddleworth by-election.
The team spent the day knocking doors and talking to local residents in villages in the constituency, as well as enjoying a country pub lunch!
“It was super to be able to go up to Oldham East and Saddleworth as a Group. Elwyn Watkins has clearly worked really hard with the local team and is really well known in the constituency. I hope voters will support Elwyn to be their next MP” commented Caroline.
Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, commenting on Transport for London’s fare package for Tubes, buses and TfL Overground Rail services being introduced on January 2nd, said:
“For the third year in a row the Mayor of London is racking up fares well ahead of the rate of inflation. Another year, another painful fare package from Boris Johnson.
Lib Dem London Assembly members Caroline Pidgeon and Mike Tuffrey joined their colleague, Assembly Chair Dee Doocey, for her introduction into the House of Lords.
Caroline Pidgeon said:
"Many congratulations to Dee for her appointment to the House of Lords. The House of Lords will benefit from all the experience Dee can bring to it. She has huge knowledge and a superb set of skills that make her an excellent choice to represent the Liberal Democrats on the red benches. Dee has a strong and diverse background in the private sector and local government, including her many years of service on the London Assembly. Dee will be a strong voice for Londoners in parliament, as she is on the Assembly."
An article in the Guardian discusses the "VIP" transport lanes which will be set up during the Olympics for use only by Olympic Committee members and sponsors - which the Olympic organisers have refused to open up to disabled Blue Badge holders.
Quoted in the article, Caroline comments: "It is appalling that the ODA have ruled out such a modest proposal.
Caroline Pidgeon, Lib Dem leader on the London Assembly, has joined with other assembly members across parties in calling on the government to rule out damaging cuts to grassroots sports funding in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.
In a motion agreed on 8th December, the Assembly warned of the danger of cutting the funding of the Schools Sports Partnership in London, emphasised the value of continuing investing in grassroots sports facilities, and asked the Mayor to join in lobbying the government to ensure this funding is preserved.
Caroline Pidgeon AM, who seconded the motion, said:
Caroline Pidgeon, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s (Friday 3rd December) International Day of Disabled People has called on the Mayor of London to make a firm commitment to ensure that every pedestrian crossing in London is accessible for disabled people.
Caroline Pidgeon joined the London Cycling Campaign for their 2010 AGM in November. Caroline spoke in a question and answer session, and also presented awards for some of the best cycling initiatives across London.
Photo: Caroline presents the Streets Of Growth project team with their award for the best cycling project for young people.
