Sadiq Khan: the door's open for talks with Uber's global boss, but not 'arrogant' UK execs

Sadiq Khan today opened Transport for London’s doors to Uber’s new global boss for peace talks — but hit out at the attitude of the firm’s UK operation.

The Mayor said he had instructed his transport chiefs to meet Dara Khosrowshahi after he yesterday issued a dramatic apology for the company’s mistakes.

However, Mr Khan ruled out inviting executives from Uber UK in for talks, criticising their “arrogance” which he hinted could thwart the company’s chances of reaching a deal outside of court.

Mr Khosrowshahi yesterday he wanted to “make things right” but confirmed Uber would challenge in court TfL’s controversial decision to strip it of its licence.

In an interview with the Standard, Mr Khan welcomed his apology, saying: “The humility he has shown in recognising the failings of Uber in London is to be welcomed.

“I’ve said to TfL they should make time available to meet the global CEO to see if some of the concerns can be addressed.

“Nobody wants to spend money on lawyers if it can be avoided.”

But he added: “I just wish Uber UK had acted in a similar manner in the recent past. This arrogance where big companies that have lots of customers don’t have to play by the rules is one that I think is wrong.

“I have seen no evidence that Uber UK have recognition of some of the concerns that have been articulated. Actually the attitude of UK Uber I don’t welcome.”

TfL’s shock ruling on Friday that Uber was “not fit and proper” to hold a private hire licence dismayed many of the 3.5 million Londoners who have come to rely on cheaper rides.

However, it was welcomed by critics, including the black cab trade, who have criticised the firm’s safety record and raised concerns over the US tech giant’s business methods.

Mr Khan insisted that the decision by TfL, which he chairs, was not anti-innovation, anti-technology or anti-business. “I’m for all those things. It was anti-people that don’t play by the rules of the game,” he said.

He denied the move was out of step with Londoners. Almost 800,000 people have already signed a petition against the decision.

“Uber has many users but you can’t have a situation where you adapt the rules in relation to whether somebody is fit and proper because of the number of customers you have,” he said.

“What’s important is that the rules are obeyed by everyone whether you’re a big guy or a small guy.”

The Mayor stressed the decision was taken by TfL and that he had “no role” in the result or the timing.

“I’m quite clear that there’s no chumocracy when it comes to Uber while I’m the mayor,” he said.

Uber failed to gain its licence on four grounds - including failures to report sexual assaults on passengers by drivers.

They also faced criticism for failing to obtain thorough criminal record checks for their drivers.

Uber now has 21 days to put forward an appeal, which will be heard by Westminster magistrates’ court.

The company can keep operating in London until the appeal is concluded - which analysts say could take a year.

It came as Uber’s arch-rival, taxi app Lyft, added Britain to its shortlist of international markets in which it might expand its business. The US firm has already held talks with TfL.