Sir Keir Starmer finally backs Sadiq Khan’s pollution charge for London cars amid Labour splits

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Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in Call Keir, his regular phone-in on LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast show, at the Global Studios, London, where he takes calls from LBC listeners across the UK. Picture date: Friday July 7, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Starmer. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

SIR Keir Starmer has finally admitted he backs Sadiq Khan’s London vehicle pollution charge area expansion — as Labour splits intensified.

The party leader yesterday said the Labour mayor “has no choice” but to take action because of his legal duty to reduce emissions.

Sir Keir Starmer has finally admitted he backs Sadiq Khan’s London vehicle pollution charge area expansion

The London Mayor marks the 18th anniversary of the 7/7 terror attacks by laying a wreath

He was forced off the fence in a radio grilling on the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) a day after refusing six times to say if he backed the £12.50 daily rate for outer London drivers of older cars.

One LBC caller said he will never vote Labour again because the fee is “abhorrent”.

Party MPs including Clive Efford and Jon Cruddas are among those calling for a delay.

Labour Uxbridge by-election candidate Danny Beales said it was “not the right time” to widen Ulez.

Ex-PM and former London mayor Boris Johnson attacked the “odious, unjustified tax on drivers”.

Tory-led councils are awaiting a High Court challenge ruling.

Meanwhile, Mr Khan marked the 18th anniversary of the 7/7 terror attacks by laying a wreath for the 52 victims at the Hyde Park memorial.