When challenged by Caroline Pidgeon in the London Assembly, the Mayor of London refused to apologise that it has taken 8 months for COVID-19 secure guiding and physical assistance to be provided for the blind and visually impaired on Transport for London services.
At the London Assembly's first ever online People's Question Time, Caroline discussed how to ensure London has world-class transport infrastructure.
We desperately need investment, particularly in our public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure. The Mayor of London must also finally cancel the £2bn polluting Silvertown Road Tunnel project under the Thames.
In the London Assembly, Caroline spoke about the huge loss of Metropolitan Police Sergeant Matt Ratana in September, who represented the best of policing.
There were also some very special tributes from Jennette Arnold AM and Steve O’Connell AM, who had both worked with him.
Caroline spoke in the London Assembly to second a motion on trialling Universal Basic Income in London.
It was very disappointing that Labour and the Tories did not allow a vote on the motion. Despite what they say, now is the perfect time for a trial, given the impacts of COVID-19.
After questioning the true financial cost of the Silvertown Road Tunnel, Caroline quizzed the Mayor on the environmental cost at October's Question Time.
The claim that it will not make air quality or congestion worse is very hard to believe - and the Mayor refused to commit to monitoring all harmful pollutants from the tunnel.
As Black History Month begins for 2020, Caroline Pidgeon said:
Black History Month is so important. In London it is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the huge contribution of Black Londoners to our city.
It's wonderful to hear schoolchildren like my son talking about inspiring Black Londoners.
Carline Pidgeon welcomed the Government's announcement of the PrEP grant for 2020-21, meaning councils will soon be able to provide uncapped access to PrEP - the drug that prevents people from getting HIV.
Caroline said:
I was proud to work with the Terrence Higgins Trust to propose a London Assembly motion on this issue last year.
On 16th September, Caroline raised the case of Sistah Space directly with the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime. Simply saying it’s a matter for Hackney Council is not good enough. This essential charity needs support to find safe, affordable and secure accommodation.
In the London Assembly, Caroline Pidgeon has spoken out against the Chinese Government’s appalling actions against the Uighur Muslims, and about the need to tackle growing hate crime against Chinese and British Chinese individuals in London.
"The appalling persecution of the Uighur Muslims by the Chinese government requires us all to take a stand.
Speaking in the London Assembly about the continued closure of Hammersmith Bridge, with no clear plan to fund its repair, Caroline Pidgeon called on the government to engage and provide financial support to get the bridge into use again.
