Reform UK launches largest petition against Sadiq Khan's Blackwall Tunnel charges

A petition opposing the potential knighthood for Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, gained remarkable traction, surpassing 60,000 signatures within 48 hours of its launch. This movement emerged following reports that Khan's name was included in a draft New Year's Honours list, which also featured other notable figures such as former West Midlands mayor Andy Street. The petition was initiated by Conservative councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman from Harrow, who criticized Khan's performance in key mayoral roles, citing failures in managing crime and transport issues in London. Public sentiment against Khan's possible recognition has been fueled not only by concerns about his leadership but also by specific criticisms regarding the increase in violent crimes and the disruptions in London's transportation system. Goodwin-Freeman expressed that the Mayor's tenure has been marked by an unusually high number of strikes, attributing responsibility for this to Khan's failure to meet previous commitments for zero strikes. Furthermore, critics have also highlighted the alleged ineffectiveness of Khan in addressing pollution levels in the city. In addition to the petition regarding Khan's knighthood, another significant petition is making rounds, this time from Reform UK. Their petition against charges planned for the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels is reportedly the largest ever presented to the London Assembly, garnering 3,775 signatures. Many residents expressed outrage over the upcoming charges, arguing they would disproportionately burden East London drivers, while routes in West London would remain toll-free. The planned charges, set to take effect in spring 2025, are intended to manage traffic and help fund the new Silvertown Tunnel. The public has voiced strong disapproval of both the knighthood and the tunnel charges, calling for alternative solutions and better transparency from the Mayor's office and Transport for London. The combination of these petitions signifies an increasing discontent among Londoners regarding the current administration and Khan's term as mayor. Many petitioners are imploring the assembly to reconsider the implications of both the proposed knighthood and the new user charges, expressing concerns about fairness and community impact. It is evident that public opinion is consolidating in response to perceived failures in governance.