UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has strongly criticized London Mayor Sadiq Khan for rejecting a proposal to send scrapped cars to Ukraine. The cars would have been donated to help in the fight against Russia. Shapps called the decision "shameful" and accused Khan of getting his priorities wrong.
Scrapped cars under Ulez scheme
Under Khan's clean air scheme, Londoners can receive up to £2,000 to scrap cars that do not comply with the clean air regulations. These polluting vehicles were proposed to be sent to Ukraine to support the country's efforts against a tyrant.
Shapps calls for reconsideration
Shapps called on Khan to reconsider his decision, stating that the scrapped cars could have been put to good use in Ukraine. He accused the mayor of doubling down on an unpopular policy and hoped that voters would show their disapproval at the ballot box.
Proposal from Mayor of Kyiv
In September, Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko wrote to Khan, proposing that cars bound for the scrapheap under the clean air scheme be adapted for use by the Ukrainian army. Klitschko emphasized the enormous potential of this idea and the various life-saving and transport roles the cars could fulfill.
Khan's response
Khan replied to Klitschko, stating that the proposal did not meet the legal threshold required for the scheme to benefit Londoners economically, socially, and environmentally. City Hall sources clarified that it was not within Khan's legal powers to implement the plan.
Alternative solutions
While the scrapped cars cannot be sent to Ukraine, Khan has set up a website to enable Londoners with non-compliant vehicles to donate them directly to Ukraine. He has also asked other organizations such as the GLA, TfL, London Fire Brigade, and the Met to explore the possibility of sending suitable vehicles to Ukraine. Some London fire engines have already been sent to support the cause.
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