Questions to the Mayor - amendment to the motion

Emma Best AM moved and Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM seconded the following amendment to the motion on the agenda:

After: "That the Assembly notes the answers to the questions asked."

Add: "This Assembly notes in particular the answers to the questions regarding emails sent by the Deputy Mayor for Environment urging scientists to alter conclusions in their academic work relating to ULEZ and LEZ.

This Assembly believes that in a democracy, scientific and academic studies should always be free of political pressure and interference. The Assembly recognises the value of scientific method, evidence and analysis in informing policy and supports the independence of scientists to work freely and without undue influence.

This Assembly believes that such interference risks damaging public confidence in those individuals holding public office, and risks undermining any public support both for this policy and future Mayoral policies.

This Assembly is concerned by these allegations of undue interference and calls for an urgent investigation by the Mayor’s Office and GLA into these allegations with a report to the Assembly within the next six weeks.”

Following debate and upon being put to the vote, the motion as amended was agreed, with 13 votes being cast in favour, and 10 votes being cast against.