Why the Wait, Ken?

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Oct 2002

Responding to the news that the tube strikes have been called off after Mayor Livingstone’s intervention, the London Assembly Liberal Democrats today questioned why it took the Mayor so long to act.

Lynne Featherstone, London Assembly Liberal Democrats transport spokesperson, said:

"Although we welcome the news that the strikes have been called off, we must question why the Mayor didn’t meet the unions months earlier to cut his new deal with them."

"He expects to be handed control of the Tube and has been in a position to offer arbitration throughout the dispute."

"Instead, he allowed London to suffer the misery of two stoppages, stood by while businesses lost millions of pounds and watched while commuters struggled against the odds to make it to work."

"Instead of condemning the strikes, the Mayor typically dithered then acted too late. He only reacts when he’s up against it."

"The Mayor’s reluctance to resolve this issue does not bode well for the future. It is yet another example of his failure to deliver on his promises."