Call Sign: Why do you want to stand as an MP and what history do you have in politics?
   Stephen Metcalfe: I want to be an MP because I believe that you can only make things better by getting involved, you’ve got to stick your head above the parapet and stand up for what you believe and hope that enough people share your views. I also believe that the role of an MP is to help bridge the ever-growing gap between Government and the people they serve. As regards my history in politics, I have

 been interested in it my whole life, it’s in the blood I suppose. Both my parents worked in politics and I have inherited their political gene.

   CS: What do you think about Licensed Taxis and do you know much about them?
   SM: I know that they are invaluable in keeping London moving and that their very tight turning circle is one of the things that enables the black cab to be so efficient! I also think the London Taxi is a style icon - something that makes London stand out, you just have to see one and you know exactly where you are! We have got to make sure we don’t lose them.

   CS: London’s Taxi drivers are now being heavily penalised through the Mayor’s office by his insistence on all taxis reaching Euro III emission levels, with older cabs needing to reach the target almost immediately at a cost of around £3000. Although the Mayor’s office seems to be beyond politics, do you have a view on the subject?
   SM: Like most things in life, it’s about balance. While reducing emissions is a good thing, I think penalising existing drivers is the wrong approach. There should be a staggered timetable, one which recognises the cost involved and sets a realistic date in the future by which time all cabs could comply.

   CS: You obviously know about the current licensing of what we used to call minicabs and which are now referred to as Private Hire. Do you consider this to be a good or bad way forward?
   SM: By licensing things, we are able to have some input

 into how they are run. It does mean that we can get rid of those minicabs that were not up to standard and that we can ensure that they operate within the rules. I think there is room for both the licensed taxi and minicabs, as they both can have different functions to fulfil.

   CS: The Knowledge can take up to 4 years at present. Do you think that is too long?
   SM: Not necessarily. If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well. One of the differences between the licensed taxi driver and other drivers is their incredible "knowledge" of the city and while I accept there are new technologies such as Sat-Nav and the like, they are no substitute for the in-depth knowledge Taxi drivers have when you need to find an alternative route or are not exactly sure where you are going. I think it should be based on reaching a certain level of ability rather than just a number of years studied, but I do think it is important that the standard of knowledge is maintained.

   CS: Do you support the 2012 Olympics coming to London?
   SM: I do, I think the Olympics coming to East London offers huge regeneration potential. My one reservation is that it is only falling on Londoners to fund it. I think it would benefit the whole country and would like to see the Government make a greater financial commitment to the project and to encourage people up and down Britain to Back the Bid.

CS: Thank you…