FAQ

Who is running this campaign?

The Keep London Moving campaign has been started by the classical liberal think tank Progressive Vision.

Why has Progressive Vision started this campaign?

Because we have had enough of extreme left-wing trade unionists making the lives of Londoners a misery with actual and threatened strikes on a regular basis.  The London Underground is vital to London and it is time the citizens of London stood up to the trade unions that use their position to hold the city to ransom.

By signing up, am I legally committed to begin immediate training and service?

No.  All we are seeking is support for the campaign.  Once we have a suitable number of volunteers we start talking to Transport for London and London Underground.  In the event of these organisations accepting our offer of support, we would never compel volunteer to serve.

What is the view of Transport for London and London Underground of this campaign?

We don't know.  Until we have a critical mass of volunteers, we doubt they will be too concerned.  However, once we have a significant number of volunteers, we believe that they couldn't ignore this desire by the citizens of London not to be held hostage by the transport unions.

How is this campaign funded?

This campaign is entirely funded by private donations.  If you wish to support us, please do so here.

Is this campaign connected to the London mayoral campaign?

No.  This campaign has been launched with no contact with any of the mayoral candidates.  However, we are prepared to work with any candidate who shares our desire to Keep London Moving.

Is this campaign prompted by the proposed strike starting 6 April 2008?

No.  Even if this strike doesn't go ahead, Londoners know that it is only a matter of time before the unions threaten yet another strike.

What sort of training will be required?

At this stage we don't fully know.  Progressive Vision have made a Freedom of Information Act request on this issue, but we have not yet heard back from Transport for London.   Let's face it, how much training can be required to drive a Tube train or work at a ticket counter?  Driving a Tube train will be easier than driving a bus and station work is hardly rocket science.

Do you really believe volunteers will ever get called upon to carry out such work?

We hope not.  We hope that the knowledge that the transport unions can no longer hold London to ransom will be enough to end continuous strike threats.

Apart form volunteering as a Tube driver, what else can I do to support the campaign?

We are always looking to work with supporters.  If you wish to assist further, please contact us.

Is the proposed strike not about safety?  Isn't this important? 

If there is a genuine safety issue the unions should approach the Health and Safety Executive or seek a court order.  The proposed strike is clearly about protecting the coddled lifestyle of Tube workers.  Tube workers are already paid more than many comparable workers and wouldn't we all like to earn more?  However, unlike Tube workers, most of us don't have the ability to bring the capital to a standstill in order to blackmail the citizens of London.

Keep London Moving is a campaign of the independent think tank Progressive Vision.  The campaign has no association with Transport for London or London Underground.

Keep London Moving, Suite 111, 95 Wilton Road London SW1V 1BZ.  Telephone: +44-207 870 5303