The Labour Mayoral hopeful got very passionate yesterday, as he defended the "institution" that is London's black cabs - and rounded on Uber.
Diane Abbott, Tessa Jowell and Sadiq Khan all agreed that more restrictions were needed on private hire services in London.
It was David Lammy though who got most worked up about the issue - lashing Uber for "not paying any tax", "real issues around safety" and "horrible issues around homophobia".
Promising that if he was chosen to replace Boris Johnson he would challenge Uber, Lammy said it was vital to protect "the institution that is the black cab".
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Watch his call to arms for London's taxis above.
7 comments:
He sounds great ! Uber have been buoyant in London for a while now though. They are well dug in. Where's David been ??!!
Has David Lammy only just learnt of Uber ? Why the passionate interest now then ? Anyone would think there is an election coming up for support for Mayor or something !
I know it's a negative attitude, and I'm afraid I make no apologies for it.
Seen them all before ! Still on our arse, still struggling and Uber still recruiting like stink !
I got slaughtered out there yesterday ! Wasn't worth going up there !
Rolex could have a better marketing venue than Wimbledon Tennis for their great big Rolex Clock...........Right under our 25000 noses !
Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick, tock, tick...............
Semtex.
As I've said on here thousands of times - Labour is our only hope - if any of you muppets voted Tory - be ashamed - be very ashamed
Hadn't seen Semtex's last post before i did my big up Labour post. Your right Tick Tock etc but where's Lammy been? He's been busy saving Tottenham from the locals burning it down - tough job no one likes Tottenham - but he's out there getting his hands dirty - talking to the people and doing a pretty good job in an area where most MP's would fear to tread. Out of the mayoral lot he's the best hope for us - so let's get behind him - he's one of us - he comes from the same place a lot of us do - he genuinely cares about ordinary folk doing ordinary jobs - like driving cabs!
Its a one horse race for the job of Mayor, there is one outstanding candidate that has all the attributes and experience for the job of Mayor. She has the full support of just about every local council in London. She also was born in London. Have a good look at her peddigree before you put all your money on David Lammy. Punters who put their wages on a hot tip, usually end up losing the lot. Tessa Jowell will be the Labour parties chosen candidate, like it or not !
Anon 3:43.
I share your respect for David Lammy mate, I honestly do. You are correct in your claims of what he has done for Tottenham, and I wouldn't turn down the opportunity of a glass of beer or a cup of tea with the man, anyday. I agree, that he appears to be a very genuine and committed politician. I believe the very same values can also be said of Tom Watson as well.
BUT........as I said regarding Tom Watson and I also predict with David Lammy........tackling Johnson's legacy, upturning his policies and achieving a fair working platform for London Taxi Drivers,IN A HURRY, is a world away from his duties looking after his constituents in Tottenham.
If Zac Goldsmith attacked Boris Johnson and his policies regarding Uber, I would be all ears. But you and me know that that wont happen mate, will it ? I wonder why that is?
The problem is, in any electoral build up, it is votes that count. Potential Mayor of London could do a lot worse than befriend the London Licensed Cab Trade. Most of us are out of the geographic area to even vote. But they aint silly ! They know that we are an opinionated lot, and talk to the public and Londoners, when we pick them up. Our views could very well assist the popularity voting system.
Not only that, despite the promises and good intent, when a new London Mayor is elected in, despite the good intent, it soon becomes clear that the future of the London Cab Trade, is not on the top of their task list, irrespective of whether they want it to be or not.
Terrorism threat, Emergency Agency concerns, MI5 MI6,Police Counter Terrorism Units, Hospitals, Building work, etc etc, all take a premier position on the butterboy Mayor's "Urgent To Do " list. Understandably too.
I can tell you, that they are not even briefed on these secret operational remits until they are officially sworn in. And when they are, the passion and genuine initial intentions promised to us cabbies during the election build up, are lost within the job remit and operational strategy.
I have had to work within these constraints myself, and believe me, the frustration is intolerable. It is for this reason, that I have absolutely no faith or hope with Political intervention for our futures. Laws are already in place, but no bugger takes any notice of them! And because its the likes of Johnson who ignores the law.....He gets away with it ! And as our colleague Dave Davis correctly states, the system is rotten to the core !
Sure, as a London Mayoral candidate, David Lammy seems a nice enough guy to get behind and support.
But as a potential saviour for the London Cab Trade, I honestly think it is beyond the capabilities of David Lammy or Tom Watson. There are dark secrets that the Mayor hopefuls haven't been told about yet. And until they are officially anointed, neither will they be ! It is when they actually become the Mayor of London, that all their previous promises go out the window ! That's because the plans and agenda and future for our trade is a lot higher in the Political Chain than anyone realises, and even the Mayor.......has only so much say in what happens in London.
In 2010 I said Men Were Coming To Kill Us. They are here now. Up until now, we haven't been able to challenge the onslaught. It is possible that we could still win, but there is one thing against us now.......Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick......
Wev'e gott'a beat the clock !
Be lucky.
Semtex.
The lights are on in the cab trade, but nobody is at home ! Hendy; Daniels, Emmerson, Chapman, Mason and Co have all been instruments of destruction. The London Taxi Trade is being corruptly dismantled piece by piece - deregulation of the old Taxi Trade is just around the corner, new regulation will be introduced to legalize apps and e-hails, effectively then we are finished. There is a clear cut agenda in action. Remember satellite offices and the STaN issue ? All of the authorities were working together on this agenda and vehemently denied involvement in a hidden agenda. Death by Design; never a truer word written!
Lammy lover here - agree with what you say Semtex - and I don't think for one minute he will save the Cab Trade - just think he's best pick of a bad bunch.
We need to ditch Tom Watson - and yes he's a good guy too - and get back on the streets - blockading this city week in and week out is the only way - people will listen then - certainly isn't doing the tube staff any harm - and I don't care if it alienates us - because we do this or we die.
Tick Tock indeed....................
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