Ulez expansion will destroy small businesses, Labor MP warns

Siobhan McDonagh said Ulez affects «the people who have the least.» Credit: Martin Pope/Getty Images

Ules will destroy small businesses, Labor MP warned as pressure on Sir Keir Starmer to stop expansion intensifies.

Shiobhain McDonagh, MP for Mitcham and Morden , said firms would fail when the «regressive tax» was extended. across London because many people 'simply can't afford' to replace their cars with cleaner models.

The MP has sounded the alarm on behalf of her constituents amid growing questions about how scientific evidence has been used to justification of Ulez's scheme.

The extension, which means the most polluting cars in Greater London will be charged a daily fee of £12.50, is still due to go into effect on 29 August despite mounting opposition. among members of the House of Commons.

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, offered people cash to upgrade their old cars so they could avoid having to pay for repairs. However, critics warn that the £2,000 payout is not enough.

Expanding Ulez

Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms. McDonagh warned that the additional burden could overwhelm small companies, as well as workers whose hourly wages exceed them. at extra charge. She said Ulez has the most impact on «the people who have the least.»

«I think small businesses can be destroyed when people just can't afford to replace their vehicles,» she said.

“We already know that we don't have enough people doing social care for people living in their own homes. This will make it harder for caregivers who don't earn £12.50 an hour. So the entire outer London ecosystem will be under pressure.”

Sir Keir, leader of the Labor Party, expressed concern about the financial implications of the expansion, but did not explicitly call for it. postponed or cancelled.

After his party's defeat in last month's Uxbridge by-election, which many saw as a de facto referendum on expanding expansion, he stated that «it's undeniable that Ulez was the reason we didn't win» and «the mayor needs to think about it» .

Mr Khan promised to continue this scheme. While he acknowledged that some people have «concerns,» he warned that «we can't put the can aside» when it comes to the climate crisis.

This came after The Telegraph newspaper reported that Mr Khan MP urged scientists to change the Lancet study, which showed that London's low-emission zone has no effect on children's health.

Emails show that Shirley Rodriguez asked if whether Professor Chris Griffiths of Queen Mary University of London «reinvent» the word,» the conclusion of a study that found «no evidence» of benefit to children's lung health.

There were calls for the deputy mayor to step down and stop any further correspondence between city hall and scientists. published.