Tony Grew

Transport for London defended shooting pigeons with air rifles at stations and depots, saying pigeon waste, nesting materials and associated insects can create health, fire and structural risks. Wildlife group Manchester Pigeon Rehab said more than 120 organised shootings killed 655 birds between March 2024 and March 2026. TfL said non-lethal deterrents are its primary approach and that birds or nests are removed only as a last resort under licensed pest-control arrangements. Michael Britton of London Bird Rescue condemned the practice as ineffective and barbaric, urging TfL to adopt infrastructure changes, humane deterrents and dovecotes instead.

Andy Burnham's first policy announcements would give London households and businesses limited financial relief. Removing VAT from domestic electricity bills is expected to save a typical household about £45 a year, but it will not reduce wholesale costs, levies or supplier markups, and the benefit is not means-tested. A 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues could save an average venue around £1,100 annually, but hospitality representatives say rising wages, energy, food and regulatory costs remain far more significant. Restaurants and hotels are excluded, with hotels facing substantial rate increases. The national £2 bus fare cap will also have no effect in London because Transport for London already charges less for single journeys and allows unlimited bus changes within an hour.