Which of London’s mayoral candidates will be best for science?
Matt Brown
On May 1, Londoners go to the polls to elect a city mayor. Current Labour incumbent Ken Livingstone is hoping for a third term, but Conservative Boris Johnson is favourite to win. The two other main candidates are Brian Paddick of the Liberal Democrats and Siân Berry of the Green Party.
For a recent series of articles, we asked the leading candidates for their opinions on the proposed new research facility at St Pancras, perhaps the hottest potato in London’s science scene. We also examined their policies on other key areas of professional relevance to scientists—energy and the environment. (Note, the London Mayor has no direct control over healthcare.)
This article summarises their responses in one place, to help you make a decision on May 1.
UKCMRI
The proposed UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation will bring major new laboratory facilities to the centre of London. Backed by the prime minister, biobusiness and many scientists, the centre has nevertheless drawn criticism from local communities and lobby groups who fear a disease outbreak in this densely populated area.
Boris Johnson: “London must lead the way in research and development to advance medical science, and it is fantastic news that the capital will now be the home of the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation (UKCMRI). It’s quite clear that linking research to delivery in the NHS will significantly advance our fight against major diseases and improve health care.”
Brian Paddick: “[The centre] is an important example of London being seen as a 21st century capital with an eye on future development.”
Siân Berry: Berry is against the proposed UKCMRI, saying that the sale of public land should be used for local housing and employment.
Ken Livingstone: No comment given.
Energy
Boris Johnson
• Council tax rebates to those who insulate their homes.
• Supports wind farm in the Thames Estuary.
• Mayoral Prize to reward low-carbon technology innovation from graduate students.
• Not ruling out nuclear power.
Brian Paddick
• Permanent exhibition, perhaps at Battersea Power • Station, to educate about sustainable energy.
• Powering the Tube with renewable energy.
• Encourage on-site energy generation in public buildings.
• Hydrogen fuel for buses, hybrid power for taxis.
Ken Livingstone
• 60% CO2 emissions cut by 2025—ahead of national targets.
• Retrofitting public buildings to be energy efficient.
• New buildings must meet 20% of energy needs from renewables.
• Supports wind farm in the Thames Estuary.
London’s energy to be generated in London by 2025.
• Against nuclear power.
Siân Berry
• All new buildings to get 25% of their energy from local, renewable sources by 2010, with further 25% increases every five years until 2025.
• 100,000 roofs in London to be fitted with either photovoltaics or solar water heating by 2015.
• Against nuclear power.
Environment
Boris Johnson
• In favour of the Low Emission Zone, which charges drivers of more-polluting vehicles
• Would introduce a free bike-hire scheme.
• Major tree-planting initiative (10,000 trees).
• Introduce schemes that reward people for recycling.
Brian Paddick
• New builds should focus on brownfield sites.
• Major tree-planting initiative (10,000 trees).
• Composting and recycling facilities for all housing estates.
• Recycling containers for free newspapers at major transport interchanges.
• £50 million for new cycle routes, and free bike-hire scheme.
• Believes Low Emission Zone would be ineffective.
Ken Livingstone
• Increase green spaces and green roofs to help cope with climate change.
• Major tree-planting initiative (1 million trees).
• A ‘green oyster card’ rewards people who act green with free entry to nature and conservation sites.
• Will invest in renewable energy from waste.
Siân Berry
• Increase green spaces and green roofs, especially on new buildings.
• Cycling budget tripled to £150 million.
• Supports the Low Emissions Zone.
Read more about the candidates’ positions in these areas in the original articles.
Boris Johnson, Conservative
Sian Berry, Green Party
Brian Paddick, Liberal Democrats
Ken Livingstone, Labour Party