Union protest at Labour conference over 'Wild West' taxi regulation

The GMB union, which represents taxi and private hire drivers, claimed the local trade in Brighton and Hove is under serious threat from out-of-town drivers that do not conform to local licensing conditions.

It claimed a government deregulation bill has created a chaotic situation in many towns and cities, where some licensing authorities issue licenses for taxis which then operate out of that jurisdiction – in places like Brighton.

This comes after Transport to London (TfL) refused to renew Uber's licence in London on Friday

GMB's Brighton and Hove branch is now calling on the council to hold Uber's Brighton licence renewal in public.

This morning Brighton GMB drivers and supporters drove up and down the seafront, showing their support, and handing out leaflets to those attending the Labour Conference at the Brighton Centre.

The rally marks a day of action up and down the country, including Leeds, London and the M25 area, York, Manchester, Trafford, Rochdale, and Cardiff among others.

Mick Rix, GMB national officer for taxi and private hire drivers, said: “In Brighton, as in many other towns and cities across the country, the local trade is under serious threat from out-of-town drivers that do not conform to local licensing conditions.

"The anything-goes approach due to the governments taxi de-regulation in 2015 is endangering the livelihoods of good - and safe, locally licensed – drivers. It has seen authorities dish out licenses like sweeties.

“TfL’s brave decision on Uber out of London could well help alleviate the problem.

"Passenger safety is being put at serious risk every day – and the public no longer has any confidence that cars and drivers are locally licensed, passing stringent tests and background checks.

“We welcome the commitment of the Labour manifesto pledge calling for reform and the work of Wes Streeting MP and Daniel Zeichner MP on pushing for badly needed legislative reform.”