London, once lauded as a global hub, is facing criticism for a perceived decline in its overall condition. This sentiment, previously voiced by figures on the political right and former U.S. President Donald Trump, is now being echoed by some on the left, including Labour leader Andy Burnham.
Robert Hardman, writing for the Daily Mail, argues that while it's an exaggeration to say London has 'fallen,' the charge that it is 'failing' is harder to dismiss. He points to issues such as increased crime, deteriorating infrastructure, and a general sense of disarray in prominent areas. Hardman notes that ice-cream vans operate illegally on Westminster Bridge, cycle lanes cause traffic friction, and unlicensed pedicab operators solicit tourists.
"The parliamentary estate is now wreathed in more ugly steel and bristling spikes than an old RUC police station in Crossmaglen," Hardman writes, describing broken fountains and a lack of visible police presence as contributing to a feeling of neglect. He also highlights issues like graffiti, traffic congestion, and the extended closure of major bridges such as Hammersmith Bridge.
Economic factors are also cited, with falling high-end house prices attributed to investor flight from what is perceived as Labour's tax policies. Furthermore, the mandatory quota for affordable housing in new developments was reduced from 35% to 20% in October by the Starmer government, a move Hardman suggests was a favor to the mayor.
Low-level crime is described as normalized, with instances of individuals riding electric scooters on pavements while wearing balaclavas, and widespread shoplifting and fare evasion on public transport. The article also touches on the handling of protests, with former Met inspector David Spencer suggesting that the Metropolitan Police have been slow to control demonstrations, partly due to internal advisory groups and perceived political encouragement from City Hall regarding stop-and-search numbers.
Andrew Gilligan, a former Tory transport adviser, produced a 2023 report titled 'Tarnished Jewel,' which indicated that crime around the Houses of Parliament had risen significantly more than in the rest of London. Violent crime in the area reportedly increased by 168% and public order offenses by 252% since 2014.
Comparisons are drawn to Manchester, where Chief Constable Steve Watson is credited with turning around a struggling police force. Figures from Manchester show a decrease in burglary and robbery, contrasting with London's reported increase in shoplifting and phone thefts.
Concerns extend to urban development, with architect Ike Ijeh pointing to a lack of housing as a driver of other city problems. He also cites the example of a proposed large indoor entertainment project, The Sphere, which was reportedly abandoned by Mayor Sadiq Khan due to 'light pollution' and a lack of 'green' credentials, despite being an indoor venue. Ijeh notes that Manchester has since opened a large indoor music arena.
Steve Norris, a former Conservative mayoral candidate for London, contrasts Mayor Khan's tenure with that of his Labour predecessor, Ken Livingstone, whom Norris describes as having 'got stuff done.' Norris considers Khan a 'disaster' and predicts he will not win re-election, explaining why he believes Khan will not stand again.
The article suggests that a lack of decisive action, a perceived normalization of public disorder, and a decline in infrastructure and services contribute to the sentiment that London is failing, despite its historical significance and cultural attractions.