Uber dispute in London mirrors deep economic, political disagreements in Britain

Lamar Ellis | 24 September, 2017, 01:55

The London mayor, who backed TfL's decision on Friday, said Uber had "let down their drivers and customers" by failing to act as a "fit and proper operator".

In most remaining cities, Uber offers a range of private hire services using locally licensed drivers that include its mainstream service UberX, its up-scale UberBlack cars and other niche services including UberVan, UberGreen and UberExec.

More than 515,000 people entered their names by 1200 GMT on Saturday in support of the US -based company, which urged users to sign in order to keep its cars on London roads.

The taxi firm, used by 3.5m people and 40,000 drivers in London, has been refused a new license by Transport for London (TfL) which said it was "not fit and proper" to operate, with Mayor Sadiq Khan insisting that companies must "play by the rules".

Only in two cities across the region - Berlin and Athens - does Uber offer rides with officially licensed taxi drivers which allow passengers to hail UberTaxis as they pass on the street.

Mr Khan said in a Facebook (NasdaqGS: FB - news) post that he fully supported TfL's decision.

A Bradford Council spokesperson said on Friday afternoon: "We will continue to monitor Uber's licence to operate in the district, as we do with all operators".

Its smartphone app connects passengers and licensed private hire drivers in real time using GPS positioning, which enables customers to track a vehicle on screen as it approaches to pick them up.

A petition calling on TfL to reverse its decision not to renew Uber's London licence reached half a million signatories just after midday today.

Unions have raised concerns about such companies treating workers as contractors rather than staff, often resulting in them losing out on rights such as minimum wage and holiday pay.

"Drivers who use Uber are licensed by Transport for London and have been through the same enhanced DBS background checks as black cab drivers".

City officials cited Uber's use of a secret software tool called "Greyball" that the company built to avoid regulators.

As things stand, Uber will not have a licence to operate in the capital after September 30.

The mayor acknowledged the popularity of Uber in the capital but said "it would be wrong for TfL to license Uber if there was any way this could pose a threat to Londoners' safety or security".

Post-Kalanick woesThe loss of the San Francisco-based start-up's licence comes after a tumultuous few months that led to former CEO and co-founder Travis Kalanick being forced out.

London police also complained in a letter in April that Uber was either not disclosing, or taking too long to report, serious crimes, including sexual assaults, and this put the public at risk.

Hackers targeted 21 states during 2016 elections, US Govt reveals

President Trump Wants a 4th of July Military Parade

23 September 2017

Kim Jong Un says Trump will 'pay dearly' for UN speech
Trump said on Thursday that China's central bank has told its other banks to immediately halt business with North Korea . Furthermore, Ross says he's concerned about the President's dismisal of the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal.

22 September 2017

Kevin Durant calls Twitter blunder 'childish' and 'idiotic' day after trashing Thunder
Shortly after, Durant's alleged secret Instagram was uncovered and lead one person on a bit of an investigative trail. Durant said while he would continue to interact with fans, he expected to scale back his social media activity.

22 September 2017

America's Got Talent victor crowned but who won in the final?
America's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell was apparently rooting for the talented young girl to win the season. Singer Kechi survived a horrific plane crash and burns over her entire body to make it to the AGT finals.
Steve Smith Says They Got Talent to Challenge India
If India continuous the same as Chennai match , then Aussies should win all other upcoming matches to won the series . Kohli and Rahane then came together and steered the Indian innings, scoring 50 runs off 51 balls.

22 September 2017

Police arrest 2 more suspects linked to London underground attack
Officers tackled 21-year-old Yahyah Farroukh to the ground at Aladdins Fried Chicken in west London , according to an eyewitness. The bombing, which left 29 people injured, was Britain's fifth terror attack in six months and was claimed by ISIS.

Jesse Lingard gives verdict on goal and Marcus Rashford after Burton win
With Manchester United's attack in free-flowing mode and in-sync, one can only imagine 4 goals being scored on a regular basis this season.
24 September 2017

In Iraqi Kurdistan, Voting on Independence and Bracing for Violence
Turkey's official news agency says Istanbul police have detained 36 people as alleged members of the Islamic State group. Akar and al-Ghanimi emphasized the importance of cooperation in the fight against PKK and Daesh, the statement said.

23 September 2017

#RohingyaGenocide: Don't spread false information against India: Rijiju to global commissions
Myanmar has never granted them citizenship, even though most can show their families have been in the country for generations. Similar to the foreigners issue in Assam, Myanmar also does not want Rohingyas whom they treat as foreigners.

23 September 2017

IPhone 8 launch sees dismal turnout
Waratah Capital Advisors Ltd. acquired a new position in Apple during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $8,304,000. Others think consumers will wait a month after the iPhone 8 launch to try the iPhone X and then make a purchase decision.
24 September 2017

Hackers targeted 21 states during 2016 elections, US Govt reveals
Only Illinois reported that hackers had succeeded in breaching its voter systems. Arizona and IL confirmed past year that they were targets.

23 September 2017

Vikings QB Bradford to miss second straight game
The quarterback is said to be dealing with a bone bruise in his left knee, and those can be extremely painful. What should stand out is that the former Houston University star was rarely terrific but also rarely awful .

22 September 2017

China's Credit Rating Slashed
The downgrade comes at a particularly awkward time for China's leaders, just weeks ahead of China's Communist Party Congress. However, Williams said, the downgrade was "arguably questionable on the basis of recent economic and financial development".

President Trump Wants a 4th of July Military Parade Fast-forward to Monday , when Trump met with Macron in NY , and Trump was still admiring that French military parade . We must act for peace in Syria". " We want to strike a blow and block Macron ", France Unbowed's Eric Coquerel said.

Everton Carabao Cup hero Calvert-Lewin 'always' in Koeman's mind If you play for titles, or for European football, the next game is always the most important. The attacker moved to Manchester United from his homeland when he was only 16.

How to Watch Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace The hosts have a hard time climbing in the first half of the tables and are expected to find to avoid relegation this season. Aguero and Gabriel Jesus have dovetailed perfectly to form the League's most fearsome forward partnership.

Stoke boss Hughes: Chelsea struggling to manage their dark arts That will no doubt give the club a massive boost and is a relief for all fans who were initially anxious for the player. Manchester City , with 11 goals in their past two Premier League games host bottom side Crystal Palace at the Etihad.

Video Show Police Officer Involved in Fatally Shot Man in Huntington Beach However, he has been placed on an administrative leave till the investigation is going on, the Orange County Register reported. Heal pointed out that the officer involved might have heard something threatening from the man or about the man.

Stoke City vs Chelsea 09/22/2017 EPL Preview and Prediction Only midfielder Danny Drinkwater (calf) and defender David Luiz , who is suspended domestically and has a broken wrist, are absent.

Mario Cantone Just Out Mooched Anthony Scaramucci On 'The View' He repeatedly pointed to Bannon's supposed "messianic" complex. 'I know you're rich, take it easy, we're all the same, ' he said . If you read Breitbart , there is a lot of that white nationalist economic fervor", Scaramucci said.

Apple TV 4K won't let you download 4K movies The remote of the Apple TV also was met with positive feedback due to its simplicity and its versatility in implementing Siri. Apple says it is working with 20th Century Fox, Lionsgate and other production houses to bring new content to iTunes.

Catalan govt admits referendum blow but vows to press on Many who do not support independence say they are scared to speak out and no longer feel comfortable in their own country. Among those threatened is Josep Maria Jove, a top Catalan treasury official, who is being held on sedition charges.

How to Watch the German Election Results As we walk along the lakeside here, among gulls and swans, Rolf Kronhagel explains why he shifted his allegiance to AfD . The process is especially complex this time as the number of parliamentary groups could rise to six from four.

Late-night TV show host Kimmel blasts U.S. senator over healthcare bill John McCain (R-Arizona), another swing vote on the bill, could be influenced by his support. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C., and Bill Cassidy , R-La.

Audrina Patridge files for divorce after alleged domestic violence incident Patridge is known for starring on the MTV series The Hills , and has since appeared on Dancing with the Stars and Audrina . She says she started recording video of him, and he said, "Grow some balls and pull the trigger and file for divorce".

Discovering Momentum Stocks: Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ), Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI) This continues to be an interesting story, and we look forward to updating it again soon on Mondelez International, Inc . The Firm is engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas properties and natural gas.

SEC: Hack used to make illegal gains Travis Smith, principal security researcher at Tripwire, said it should be no surprise that the SEC was the target of an attack. Clayton admits that "there will be intrusions, and that a key component of cyber risk management is resilience and recovery".

Curran: Texans perfectly positioned to slow down Brady and the Patriots If the Texans and Watson are able to pull off a win on the road this coming Sunday, they would be making history. We have no inside intel on whether Trump and Brady were ever Tomanka - you know, like the former Brangelina.

Uber dispute in London mirrors deep economic, political disagreements in Britain

Recommended