Dear Ed, KEN Livingstone’s London Plan when he was mayor was based on our future success through financial services. But the recession and banking crisis have shown that London has been massively over-reliant on this. We need much greater focus on green’ industries

Dear Ed,

KEN Livingstone’s London Plan in 2004 when he was mayor was based on our future success through massive growth in the financial services industry. Over 70 per cent of the 636,000 new jobs forecast were expected to be in financial and business services.

But the recession and banking crisis have shown that London has been massively over-reliant on this part of the economy.

We need a different approach with a much greater focus on green’ industries, such as green energy, new technology and recycling. We also need a real emphasis on promoting local business throughout Greater London, not just on creating jobs in the centre.

So I am disappointed that the new Mayor, Boris Johnson, merely appears to be offering more of the same. His outline draft for a new London Plan has failed to take the bold change in direction we need. London’s economy needs to be about much more than banking and shopping.

Darren Johnson (Green Party)

London Assembly

City Hall, Southwark