Mayor’s question time at the London assembly had to be suspended after a scuffle broke out between City Hall staff, police and black-cab drivers, and a security worker was reportedly knocked unconscious.
Cabbies who were at the meeting to express concerns about the car hire app Uber became angry when the mayor, Boris Johnson, referred to critics of zero-emissions electric vehicles as “luddites”.
Despite warnings from the assembly’s deputy chair, Tony Arbour, that the meeting on Wednesday would be suspended and members of the public removed, the shouting became so loud that neither the mayor or assembly members could be heard. The meeting was adjourned, and later resumed in a basement room at City Hall.
The Mayor Watch website reported that a number of protesters refused to leave the abandoned gallery and police were called to help escort them from the building. Assembly members and the mayor were told of claims that a member of the security staff was “knocked unconscious” and others were left “bruised.
Johnson said afterwards there was “no excuse for violence”.
1/2 Vital Londoners see democratic process in action but behaviour of some cabbies at MQTs today undermines that
— Boris Johnson (@MayorofLondon) September 16, 2015
2/2 Also shocked that 3 City Hall security staff hurt following suspension of Mayor's Question Time - no excuse for violence
— Boris Johnson (@MayorofLondon) September 16, 2015
The Labour assembly leader, Len Duvall, said the scuffle showed politicians should consider their choice of words more carefully. He told Mayor Watch: “Whilst there is no excuse for the disruptive, and in some cases violent, actions of some in the audience, the mayor needs to understand that it was his name-calling which in part sparked today’s incident.
“City Hall should be a forum for debate and discussion about the issues, not insults and mudslinging. I want to praise City Hall staff on the excellent job they did today controlling what was an incredibly high-pressure situation.”
London’s cabbies have consistently criticised the mayor over Transport for London’s handling of regulation for private car companies, in particular Uber. Johnson was recently caught on camera swearing at a black-cab driver following a confrontation that took place while he was cycling in London.
Arbour, the deputy chair, said the disruptions were unnecessary and unfortunate. “Several members of the City Hall security team were punched, pushed and verbally abused,” he said. “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.”
He added: “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.”
A number of people, including cab drivers, posted on social media about the protest, and police advised people to avoid the area.
You scared boris we are waiting!!! pic.twitter.com/K7hdCkZz7d
— MRSKINS99 (@MRSKINS99) September 16, 2015
There is currently a protest causing congestion nr City Hall and Tower Bridge. Police are in attendance. Please avoid the area for now ^KJR
— MPS Southwark (@MPSSouthwark) September 16, 2015
Fantastic turnout!!! pic.twitter.com/90EA9hx8Vf
— SBT (@Supportblktaxis) September 16, 2015
Tooley street! pic.twitter.com/UUL6VacvvD
— SBT (@Supportblktaxis) September 16, 2015
