Sadiq Khan suggests people will thank him over Ulez as he issues apology to millions of Londoners

Khan’s expansion came into force while anti-Ulez protesters continued to demonstrate against the policy.

Khan defended his decision to expand Ulez and suggested history would look kindly at the policy

The Mayor of London told GB News’ Christopher Hope: “There's been lots of people today thanking me.

"I remember as an MP in 2006/7 when the Labour Government banned smoking in enclosed public spaces.

"Do you remember the noise being made then? Now people wouldn't think about reintroducing smoking in pubs."

Khan also pointed to examples of other administrations introducing public health legislation.

He added: "When it comes to tackling public ill-health, I think you've got to take bold action.

"But also you recognise that between 2017 and 2026 the NHS will spend £1.6billion treating people in hospital and by 2050 that's going to be north of £10billion.

"This policy will save lives and save money."

Khan also apologised to any Londoners who have been adversely impacted by the policy.

He said: “I'm always sorry for anyone who's suffering adverse consequences because of our policies.”

Transport Secretary Mark Harper took aim at Khan’s decision to push ahead with the policy and revealed the Government will support an amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to give communities a veto over future schemes.

Harper told GB News: "You can't make it retrospective, it's going forward.

"But I think it'll be useful protection against this plan to have more road user charging in London, which Sadiq Khan plans to do in the future.

"I don't know the exact timetable, but it will be on the statute book next year."

He added: "I took legal advice from outside the department just to test it, to really kick the tyres, to see where there was anything that we could do that would stand up and actually stop this coming into force."