LondonSays

Our open letter of May has received a reply from the Mayor:

Thank you for your email and for your kind wishes as I start my administration as Mayor of London. I apologise for the delay in responding to you.

Your manifesto has successfully highlighted some of the most important issues facing London, and I am determined to address them during my term in office.

Your article on community cohesion, for example, correctly identified the rather prosaic but crucial issue of Government under funding due to the underestimating of London’s population.

I have consistently made it clear that I believe a key part of London’s success is its cosmopolitan character, and we should always be a city that welcomes new people. However, if we are to do so in a sustainable manner then the Boroughs need the resources to provide the social and public services to support such population increases. To this end, I will be using my role as Mayor to stand up and champion the Boroughs and use my influence to lobby Government for the vital funding needed.

I am also in agreement with your article on London’s economy, and you will find that my Business and Skills Manifesto also places importance on championing the needs of the City to keep London competitive, and championing small business to promote aspiration. I also regard delivering the major transport projects needed to help London keep pace with population and economic growth as a key priority for my administration.

I will also be placing prime importance on sustainability, and in particular reducing carbon emissions. As I stated in my Environment Manifesto, I will be working with the Boroughs and leading energy companies to make more use of schemes that offer council tax rebates in return for the installation of home insulation. I also intend to improve the energy efficiency of both public and private buildings.

But most importantly, the fight against crime will be the litmus test of this administration. The spate of youth murders simply must be brought to a halt. It is a problem that very quickly demands clarity in response. We must stop young kids carrying knives and guns, and we must provide the structured environments that deter them from the catastrophic choices they are currently making.

This is why we have already increased the use of knife scanners, and increased the number of police officers on public transport. We have also banned alcohol consumption on public transport as well.

In order to give this agenda the drive it needs, I will be taking the Chair of the MPA when regulations permit me to do so. I believe that the response to this problem must be led by the Mayor, and in the absence of powers of direction, it will the best way in which I can get directly involved in order to shape and set the agenda to ensure my priorities are being followed.

I found your proposals very informative, and I am glad that there is an independent body that is dedicating itself to thinking about London issues in the long term. I look forward to reading more of your material, and I look forward to seeing your organisation grow.

Yours sincerely

Boris Johnson

Mayor of London

Better late than never… let us know what you think about the Mayor’s comments. You can find the Alternative Manifesto here.