Livingstone abandons New Year 'midnight moment'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Firework displays will be held across London at teatime on New Year's Eve after disputes over timing were resolved yesterday at a meeting between John Prescott and Ken Livingstone.
Firework displays will be held across London at teatime on New Year's Eve after disputes over timing were resolved yesterday at a meeting between John Prescott and Ken Livingstone.
The capital's celebrations had been put at risk by threats of a Tube strike after protests over safety by rail unions.
Emerging from yesterday's meeting wreathed in smiles, the Deputy Prime Minister and London Mayor said a "midnight moment" planned by Mr Livingstone had been cancelled.
While transport arrangements had still to be finalised, the "moment" would take place around five in the evening. The aim was to light up London with fireworks launched from tall buildings. The public's best views would be from high ground such as Hampstead Heath or Crystal Palace Park.
Transport operators will look at the plans and return with a schedule, which they hope will allow revellers to travel to the events without difficulty. Plans to close Victoria and Charing Cross stations, making travel into central London difficult for people living south of the river, may now be reversed.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union had threatened action after London Underground announced it would close about 60 inner-London Tube stations from 4pm on New Year's Eve. Its action was to have taken place from noon on New Year's Eve to noon on New Year's Day.
London Underground said the closures were the only way to cope with an expected 1.5 million people attending the end-of-year fireworks party. If all the stations were open it would "attract too many people".
But a spokesman for Mr Livingstone said:"There was never any intention of encouraging people to stay in town for a centrally based firework display. Rather than looking up, people will need to look across London."
The RMT was invited to yesterday's meeting alongside the other main rail union, Aslef.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments