LIVINGSTONE COMMENTS UNHELPFUL, OFFENSIVE AND INAPPROPRIATE

4.13.41pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 8th Apr 2004

Simon says that Livingstone's comments on Saudi Arabian Royal Family don't help Londoners

Responding to comments made by Mr Livingstone regarding the Saudi Royal family 'swinging from the lamposts' Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate, Simon Hughes, said:-

"Mr Livingstone's comments about the Saudi Royal family are deeply unhelpful, offensive and inappropriate. Instead of preaching about the rights and wrongs of global affairs, the Mayor should start working for London and Londoners.

"Mr Livingstone has already offended the Americans and now he seeks to isolate the capital from other nations. His remarks will do nothing to help the tourist industry in London, nothing to help international relations and nothing to help Londoners."

Commenting on the remarks made regarding putting in place a 50% top rate of tax for those earning more than £100,000, Simon Hughes said:-

"Mr Livingstone has already adopted the Lib Dem idea of scrapping the Council Tax and replacing it with a local income tax, he now also is in favour of the Lib Dem policy to implement a top rate 50% tax on the highest earners.

"What Mr Livingstone seems to forget is that when he rejoined the Labour Party, he signed up as Blair's Mayor. He cannot have it both ways. That means that, regardless of what he says to the contrary, he signed up to an agenda of tuition fees, a war in Iraq and the Council Tax."

ENDS