London devolution & James Bond spy tunnels plan: The Standard podcast
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A business group representing 170 top London firms has issued its own manifesto of “quick win” measures and long-term reforms it claims could turbo-charge the capital’s economic potential.
The document by BusinessLDN, titled “London as an engine of growth: a manifesto for the next Government”, lists changes the incoming administration could make at apparently little cost after the July 4 general election.
They include increasing devolution for London, scrapping stamp duty on share trades to improve the capital’s investment attractiveness and a highly controversial review of green belt development rules.
So, how would any further devolved powers work, and what moves are City bigwigs making ahead of a potential change in government?
To analyse BusinessLDN's policy proposals, we’re joined by Evening Standard business editor Jonathan Prynn.
It comes as plans are teased for an underground museum that could see a James Bond exhibition hosted as one of its first attractions.
The once secret Kingsway Exchange Tunnels, which run 40 metres under High Holborn, could be transformed into a new cultural space after private equity-backed developers London Tunnels Ltd applied to the City of London Corporation and Camden council for planning permission.
It was formerly a Second World War telecommunications centre for the Special Operations Executive, which parachuted agents behind enemy lines - and employed 007 author Ian Fleming.
The 7,000 square-metre facility was also deployed as a Blitz air raid shelter before being run by British Telecom as a
