Martin Hoscik

Boris ponders study into immigrant amnesty

By Martin Hoscik ⋅ November 22, 2008 ⋅ 2 comments

Boris Johnson has said he is considering commissioning a study into the possibility of an amnesty for London’s estimated 400,000 illegal immigrants. The Mayor says he wants to look at ways people who have been in the UK for a “very substantial period” could earn the right to stay however he appeared to be at odds with his Assembly colleagues who last month voted against a motion calling for a similar anmesty.

How Boris should start his quality legacy

By Martin Hoscik ⋅ November 21, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

As he delivered a major speech on tackling London’s housing crisis, Boris Johnson yesterday promised to create a legacy of high quality affordable homes. He could score an early success by upholding the principles of mixed housing developments.

Boris announces £5bn housing plan

By Martin Hoscik ⋅ November 20, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

Mayor of London Boris Johnson was in central London this morning to launch a wide ranging and bold housing plan to invest £5bn in policies he says will deliver more affordable housing and improve standards for thousands of Londoners.

Can I suggest a new TfL design competition?

By Martin Hoscik ⋅ November 18, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

With the ‘design a new bus for London’ competition now closed it seems timely to suggest a competition to redesign another part of TfL’s kit - the temporary bus stop. When their usual stop is closed why should passengers be further inconvenienced with a bus service straight out of the 1950’s?

Darwin, Natural History Museum

By Martin Hoscik ⋅ November 14, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

As previously reported, today marks the start of a major new exhibition at London’s Natural History Museum exploring the ideas of Charles Darwin and their impact on the way we view the natural world.

Dare I say it, I (mostly) agree with Andrew Gilligan

By Martin Hoscik ⋅ November 13, 2008 ⋅ 10 comments

It’s not fashionable on the world of London blogging to agree with Andrew Gilligan but today’s column has a lot which supporters of democratic accountability should agree with.

Boris: 50% affordable housing legacy would create ‘ghetto’

By Martin Hoscik ⋅ November 12, 2008 ⋅ Post a comment

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has said a 50% affordable housing legacy from the 2012 Olympic games would create a “ghetto” which would make the private homes unattractive for affluent home buyers.

Boris commissions study into estuary airport

By Martin Hoscik ⋅ November 11, 2008 ⋅ 3 comments

Boris Johnson has appointed Doug Oakervee, Executive Chair of Crossrail, to conduct a preliminary feasibility study into locating a new airport in the Thames Estuary.