Today’s High Court ruling, which rejected a bid from five Tory councils to have the extension to the Ultra low emission zone deemed unlawful, represents a landmark victory for Sadiq Khan. But it has also drawn barely concealed smiles from Conservative Campaign Headquarters. Can both be right?
There are times in politics when you want the win and others when you’d prefer to keep the issue alive. The judgement over which best serves your interests depends on how highly you value the issue in question. Politicians might consider it worth losing support – even an election – to secure a substantial policy gain.
This principle was perhaps most famously illustrated by US President Lyndon Johnson who, after an aide attempted to persuade him not to waste his time on civil rights – considered by many to be a lost cause – replied: “Well, what the hell’s the presidency for?“
Khan is leveraging the somewhat more limited powers of the London mayoralty for his own defining cause – that of clean air. And his court victory is self-explanatory: the flagship policy of extending the Ulez to all 32 boroughs has passed a major legal test.
The challenge itself was brought on three grounds. First, that the consultation was substandard. Second, that the mayor didn’t have the legal authority for the expansion. And third, that the £110m vehicle scrappage scheme was insufficient. All three have been thrown out by Mr Justice Swift.
Speaking outside the court, Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall said she was “very disappointed” with the ruling and branded Ulez a “simple tax grab”. Meanwhile, Energy secretary Grant Shapps tweeted:
“Labour will take this as a win, but hardworking people will lose... Lets (sic) see what kind of Leader @Keir_Starmer is. Time to get off the fence & tell your Mayor to do the right thing and stop the ULEZ expansion.”
Punchy stuff. And yet, win-wins are rare in politics for a reason. Regardless of today’s judgement, Ulez was always going be front and centre of Tory election leaflets come the mayoral and general elections. Defeat and therefore delay would have been toxic for Khan and Labour, pushing Ulez extension into a double election year.
But victory means that the voting will take place after Ulez comes into effect, and after the vast majority of car drivers realise that they are not subject to the £12.50-a-day charge. Our worst fears lie in anticipation, but the wait is almost over.
In the comment pages, Tracey Emin says drink used to sustain her, but now she’s free – though she must apologise to Brian May. Sadiq Khan hits back at Rishi Sunak’s housing claims. While Robert Fox warns Vladimir Putin’s war on grain could blow up into an international fight.
And finally, from al fresco swimming at White City House to taking a bath near the top of The Shard – Alison Hammond does My London.
