On the eve of the London Labour Party Conference this weekend, I have set out my manifesto for London, which you can download.
This alternative programme for London would dramatically improve the quality of life for Londoners by striking at the roots of the Capital's environmental, social, and economic problems.
London is one of the richest cities in the world but Londoners don't share in its wealth and opportunities. By using the wealth created in London to invest in its transport, environment, housing and industries we could transform the life of many of its citizens.
Central Government forced the disaster of tube part-privatisation on a resistant Mayor and Londoners. That disaster is now forecast to cost an extra £750m – money that would be better spent reducing fares and expanding the public transport network.
Fares Fair was an extremely popular policy that slashed public transport fares for Londoners and hugely reduced traffic congestion in the Capital before it was ruled illegal in the courts.
City bonuses this year are expected to total £8.8bn. A windfall tax of just 10% on these grotesque payments would cover the £875m that Londoners will contribute towards the Olympics. A similar tax in five years' time could fund free tickets to the Games for Londoners.
The ten points in full are:
The main 10 points of the London manifesto are:
1. A new 'Fares Fair' policy for the 21st Century, slashing fares for Londoners
2. End privatisation of the London Underground, including the East London Line, restoring the tube to public ownership
3. Windfall tax on City bonuses to pay London's contribution to the Olympics and ensure free access to Londoners
4. Restore control of business rates to local councils and abolish the Corporation of London, transferring its functions and resource base to the GLA
5. A real living wage of at least £7 per hour, plus a London weighting of 20%
6. Decentralised London energy system, based on alternative energy sources
7. No further expansion at Heathrow and no third runway
8. Halt hospital cuts and NHS privatisations
9. Emergency house-building programme, and allow 4th option, to tackle London's housing crisis
10. Support free and comprehensive education and an end to Trusts, City Academies and tuition fees
