Grilling the Mayor, well perhaps Boris flambe
Posted on 03. Mar, 2009 by Richard Barnbrook in Latest News
Just to keep you all up to date with events here at City Hall, here are the results of my written inqisition of Mayor Boris. For the time being he enjoys the destinction of being the only major politician to be inconvenienced in such a manner by a British National Party politician.
Gaza demonstrations
Question No: 247 / 2009
Richard Barnbrook
Does the Mayor have any comments to make concerning the recent Gaza demonstrations in London in which officers from the Metropolitan Police were allowed to be assaulted, abused and humiliated?
Answer from the Mayor:
There have been a number of demonstrations in central London recently on the conflict between Israel and the Gaza Strip over Palestine, the vast majority of which have been peaceful.
The right to lawful protest is important and something the Police will always facilitate, however, there have been a few incidents relating to the above demonstrations where a small minority of protestors have acted violently towards MPS officers. This is completely unacceptable and many suspects have already been arrested and charged, as is usual practice. Steps are being taken by the MPS to seek to identify the remaining suspects and take the necessary action.
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Predicted increasing crime levels
Question No: 248 / 2009
Richard Barnbrook
Can the Mayor confirm that he believes that the 25 extra police officers provided for in his recent budget submission will be sufficient in the light of predicted increasing crime levels?
Answer from the Mayor:
The 2009-12 budget proposals do reflect a net increase of 25 officers although the impact varies across the Service in line with current priorities.
There has been significant investment in police numbers and the increase of 7,282 (28%) officers since 2000 means that next year the MPS is budgeting for 33,283 officers, which will be the highest in the Service’s history.
The Service has robust systems in place to identify emerging trends and is closely monitoring the impact of the recession on crime profiles. The Service will continue to use its resources effectively to meet the new challenges and build on its performance in reducing crime.
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Anti-terrorism
Question No: 249 / 2009
Richard Barnbrook
Does the Mayor believe that the proposals for an estimated total expenditure of £350 million on “anti-terrorism” in London (2009-2010) indicate that it is a stable, multicultural city?
Answer from the Mayor:
I do not think it possible to draw any conclusions about the stability or multicultural nature of a city, from the size of a city’s budget to counter acts of terrorism – which can, of course, occur anywhere in the world and depends on many factors.
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Tax freeze
Question No: 250 / 2009
Richard Barnbrook
With the current economic climate the announced council tax freeze will be welcome change for Londoners. With this in mind can the Mayor please indicate to Londoners where they can find the extra cash to pay for the high rent increases that have been announced by some London boroughs. Can the Mayor also confirm what influence the Mayor has over local councils to negotiate a fairer deal for residents.
Answer from the Mayor:
I am delighted that the freeze on the GLA’s share of council tax could be a help to Londoners at this difficult time.
Council rent increases are determined by local authorities within the parameters set by central government and I do not have any direct responsibility in this area.
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Obscene language
Question No: 251 / 2009
Richard Barnbrook
With being Mayor of London comes great responsibility. The public expect a Mayor to be an upstanding member of the community who will act as a role model to old and young alike; the Mayor of London should be capable of coping with any given situation with dignity. With this in mind can the Mayor confirm that in the future he will deal with all people in a professional way and not use obscene language like he did in a phone conversation to Keith Vaz MP? Can the Mayor confirm that this is not a sign of him falling apart under pressure?
Answer from the Mayor:
This was a private conversation.
