Livingstone launches manifesto
Ken Livingstone has launched his full manifesto for re-election as Mayor of London.
The manifesto, running to 44 pages, promises to build on the policies of the past four years and pledges new improvements in all areas of life in London.
Eye catching pledges include free bus transport for all under 18s in full time education and air conditioning for new tube trains.
Launching the manifesto Mr Livingstone said: “Unlike at the Mayoral election four years ago on June 10th voters will face a very clear choice on policy direction for London.”
He said that under his leadership London has gained 5,000 more police, 1,000 extra buses and seen 30 per cent less congestion in the city centre and been short listed for the 2012 Olympic Games.
Mr Livingstone said that if re-elected he would “continue to increase police numbers, to extend the programme of local teams of six officers to London’s neighbourhoods, and adopt a policy of zero tolerance of crime across London.
“Keep improving bus services throughout the city and extend the improvements seen on the buses to the Tube and rail services
“Continue with the successful central London congestion charging scheme and improve it to reduce the `hassle factor’.
“Build 30,000 new homes a year while continuing the requirement that 50 per cent of these be affordable homes.
“Improve air quality and save lives by making London a Low Emission Zone.”
Focussing on his Conservative opponent, Mr Livingstone claimed: “A completely clear alternative to these policies is a return to cuts, squalor, and gridlock with the policies of Tory candidate Steve Norris.
“Steve Norris’ policies on transport are deeply irresponsible and damaging. Scrapping the central London congestion charge would return the centre of London to its old gridlock.
“Scrapping the congestion charge would be a direct blow against London’s environment and his manifesto fails to seriously deal with recycling, litter or climate change.
“Furthermore, Steven Norris’s manifesto does not pledge any increase in police numbers – at a time when London faces the greatest terrorist threat in its history and when, therefore, more police have to be used for anti-terrorist activities.”
Mr Livingstone also paraded endorsements from a large number of celebrity supporters.
These include Doreen Laurence, Tracey Emin, Jarvis Cocker and Tony Benn.
Stephen Norris, who is currently running second behind Ken Livingstone in most opinion polls, dismissed the new manifesto.
The Conservative candidate said: “In the last four years Ken Livingstone has failed to tackle the most serious problems facing London and no-one believes that this manifesto will deliver anything new.
“Livingstone’s manifesto has the same old tired promises made four years ago. I promised one thing above all others, to bring down crime, because that’s what people in London want their Mayor to do.”
Mr Norris’s campaign promises to cut incidents of crime by using many of the zero tolerance policies trialled in New York.
He also would scrap the congestion charge and negotiate a no strike agreement with tube workers.
The Liberal Democrat candidate, Simon Hughes, also rejected Mr Livingstone’s promises.
Mr Hughes said: “Livingstone’s promises may sound attractive, but the voters must compare pledges he made in 2000 with what he has delivered over the last four years. On numerous key pledges, Blair’s Mayor has failed to put into practice what he promised.”
“Few deny congestion charge has been a success. However, Livingstone’s share of Council Tax has doubled while many Londoner’s feel that little has been provided in the way of extra services.”
