TfL Must Halt Talks On Mobile Phone Access Underground

12.00.00am GMT Sat 20th Mar 2004

Commenting on reports that London Underground is to reassess talks with mobile phone companies on the introduction of mobile phone access on underground Tube lines, Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes said: "I welcome the speedy response to the suggestion I put yesterday morning to the Managing Director of London Underground that there should be no early move to permitting use of mobile phones on the underground parts of the Tube."

"There needs to be a thorough review of the advantages and risks of such a development in technology if we are not to accentuate the dangers of bombings that afflicted Madrid, Iraq and Bali."

"London can be assured that if they vote for a Liberal Democrat in June, they will have a mayor who understands security and is determined to have practical solutions to keeping our city safe, prosperous, and moving."

ENDS

Mr Hughes will be speaking at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference today and will be calling for

• A reassessment of talks on installing mobile phone access on the deep line Tube network.

• The merging of British Transport Police in London with the Met.

• The establishment by the Mayor of a dedicated London Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force to assist the emergency services in case of an attack.

• Police boxes at every mainline station staffed during rush hour.

• Council Tax bills to contain information on what to do in the event of an attack.