LONDON AND BEYOND

It is almost two years since the Grenfell Tower tragedy and we look at what has happened since then. Meanwhile, new Mayoral initiatives to support the high street, boost the night-time economy, and make London’s streets safer and air cleaner offer hope that City Hall is on the ball. But lagging performance at the OPDC is generating concern. 

THE BEAST

...is the endearing nickname of Donald Trump’s bullet-proof limousine. If you live or work in central London, you are unlikely to have missed the armada of armoured cars and helicopters ferrying the US President and his sizeable entourage back and forth across the city. 

8 RETURN TICKETS TO BRUSSELS?

The votes are in, ballots counted and London’s eight newly-elected MEPs will soon be off for their (probably) brief sojourn in Brussels. Then again, who knows what will happen between now and 31 October, when the UK is supposed to finally leave the EU?

AGM FEVER

Dozens of councils in London and the Home Counties are busy holding their crucial Annual General Meetings (AGMs), which will define their leadership and committee memberships for the year ahead.

WHO'S GOT YOUR VOTE?

London politics feature heavily in this edition of LDN, as the latest polling suggests Sadiq's path to a second term is not quite as smooth as it appeared a few months ago.

RESTORATION AND RENEWAL

LCA were thrilled to be involved with the launch of the design proposals for Parliament’s Northern Estate today; the essential first step to enable the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster. Read more about it below.

MIXING IT UP

Mixed messages for the environment as Heathrow expansion clears a major hurdle, while the concept of road user charging moves up the agenda.

RAIL AGAINST THE MACHINE

Accusations and recriminations abound as the London Assembly blasts Transport for London over Crossrail, the Housing Secretary undercuts the Mayor, and environmental protesters and housing activists rage against a broken system.

OUR HOUSE

We watched  with great sadness as the 856 year old Notre Dame cathedral in Paris burned on Monday evening. It certainly puts into perspective short-termist rows about the proper care of London’s own landmarks and infrastructure.

KHAN'S NEW (R)ULEZ

Less than a week before the official Brexit date, the UK is seeking yet another extension. London is meanwhile getting on with things.

CLEARING THE AIR

The Mayor’s new Ultra Low Emission Zone is set to be launched next week and City Hall is firing on all cylinders.

DELAYS CANCELLATIONS AND WE'RE NOT TALKING TRAINS...

Brexit is delayed, a major hospital reconfiguration is cancelled and people are apparently walking away from a major London development. The theme this week seems to be that patience is generally wearing a bit thin…