As the party conferences approach this fall, BBC London’s political editor, Karl Mercer, is engaging with party leaders and their deputies for brief four-minute discussions on significant challenges facing the capital and their proposed solutions.

In this session, Mercer interviews Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, head of the Labour Party.

KM: “Many London residents might argue that Labour has shifted into an anti-London stance, channeling funds to Northern regions to bolster against Reform, rather than addressing the urgent needs here in the capital.”

KS: “That’s not accurate at all. Today, we’re unveiling nine locations in London that will benefit from our Pride in Place funding. This is a vital initiative, representing a decade-long investment with allocated local control in these communities.”

KM: “I’m pleased you mentioned this. While London is receiving funding for those nine locations, the total for the next decade stands at £50 million. In contrast, the North West is set to receive £750 million.”

KS: “The funding we provide for London works in conjunction with our investments in transport and housing, reflecting our close cooperation with the mayor. The partnership between our government and the mayor’s office is exceptional.

“We collaborate effectively, delivering results for London. I’m delighted that we can now add the nine locations benefiting from the Pride in Place initiative, which is essential.

KM: “However, no funds have been allocated for the DLR extension to Thamesmead, which is crucial for housing development. Similarly, there’s been no funding for the Bakerloo line extension to Lewisham or the West London Orbital project, all of which the mayor has indicated were vital during the spending review.”

KS: “We have indeed allocated substantial funds to transportation and housing. Our partnership with the mayor remains strong, but you understand that given the current fiscal challenges our country faces, we must make carefully considered decisions.

“Rest assured, I am in ongoing discussions with the mayor, and we’re continually focused on how best to serve Londoners.”

KM: “Regarding the equitable funding of local authorities in London, they claim they are facing an unprecedented funding crisis. The ongoing fair funding review is being described by them as unfair because London is the region that suffers the most financial losses.”

KS: “We are currently engaged in the review, which guides our actions in these matters. We’re cooperating with the mayor and other stakeholders to provide as much support as we can for important projects in London.

“This city is our capital, and we take great pride in it, which is why I’m pleased to announce additional funding for London alongside our investments in transport and housing, and we will persist in doing so.”

KM: “What do you think London residents will feel about taxpayers spending £600 to transport asylum seekers to their appointments?”

KS: “They’ll undoubtedly be very concerned. It is crucial we ensure asylum claims are processed swiftly and that those without the right to remain are removed from the country.”

KM: “Is it appropriate that £600 is being spent for these transports?”

KS: “Absolutely not—that practice should be halted immediately. It’s unacceptable, and I want to be very straightforward about that.

“I also want to see an end to our use of asylum hotels, clearing them out as soon as possible. We are dealing with thousands of cases that the previous administration left unaddressed, and we are working through them rapidly.

“We are committed to exploring all options to expedite the exit of individuals from these hotels. I completely sympathize with the frustrations of Londoners and others regarding this situation. Under our government, we have returned 35,000 individuals without the right to remain—this is the highest figure we’ve seen in nearly a decade. We are pursuing this matter with urgency and I am resolute in our determination to act quickly.”