Statement from Tony Arbour AM, Deputy Chairman of the London Assembly
“Today’s disruption at Mayor’s Question Time was unnecessary and unfortunate.
Several members of the City Hall security team were punched, pushed and verbally abused. One was knocked unconscious and taken to hospital. Our understanding is that his condition is now stable and we wish him well soon.
As a result of interruptions from the public gallery, the democratic process was halted and the Mayor and Assembly Members were moved from the Chamber to continue business in another location.
The Assembly is fully aware of the depth of feeling within the licensed taxi industry – but this kind of disruption is unhelpful to the fight for their livelihoods.
The Transport Committee’s cross-party report into the taxi and private hire industries - ‘Future Proof’ made a number of recommendations to the Mayor and Transport for London and we look forward to their implementation.
In the meantime, attending City Hall meetings to watch London government in action is encouraged – but verbal and physical attacks are not.”
Notes to editors
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
- The archived webcast will be made available here.
- Tony Arbour AM is available for interviews. Please see contact details below.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 020 7983 4228. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.