25 November 2019

Today, TfL has finally signed the contract to begin construction of the Silvertown Tunnel – a new tunnel under the Thames, connecting Greenwich and Newham.

Scott Ainslie, Green MEP for London, has responded to the news:

"I am appalled that the Mayor of London has chosen to sign the contract on the Silvertown Tunnel. Having declared a “climate emergency” in our city, it’s nothing short of rank hypocrisy for him to progress this polluting project.

It’s particularly alarming that the Mayor has decided to push ahead with the scheme on the very day we learned that living near a busy road may stunt children’s lung growth by up to 14%, and increase their risk of lung cancer by 10%.

This £1bn project will bring an influx of HGVs to East London; pumping toxic fumes into the air next to more than 40 schools and nurseries where around 16,000 children learn and play. Tragically, as ever, it’s the most vulnerable who will bear the brunt of this reckless decision. I’d like to see the mayor try and get away with this through Kensington and Chelsea, for example!

Londoners must be able to trust the air they breathe. Unfortunately, we now know this public health emergency isn’t a priority for Mayor Khan."

Scott Ainslie MEP has previously written about his objections to the Silvertown Tunnel in this article for Bright Green.