Author: space4knews

24th Shrawan, Kathmandu – The Capstone Accelerator Program, conducted under the ‘Entrepreneurship Skills Development Program’ in collaboration with the US Embassy in Nepal, has been successfully completed. Over 200 entrepreneurs participated in regional workshops across all seven provinces and virtual masterclasses. Following a competitive selection process, 20 top innovative entrepreneurs were chosen. During a three-day special residential program held in Kathmandu, organizers claim to have provided young entrepreneurs with a significant opportunity to expand their businesses at national and international levels, adding a new dimension to Nepal’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A key highlight of the program was the ‘Investment and Global Market-Focused Pitching Session,’ where participants showcased their business potential, innovation, scalability, export opportunities, and strategies to attract investment. They presented their plans to leading figures in the business sector. Organizers noted that practical advice and guidance from experts helped entrepreneurs refine their business models further.

Inspired by the American ‘Main Street’ concept, the ‘Capstone Main Street Showcase’ allowed entrepreneurs to exhibit their products and services. This exhibition offered direct interaction opportunities with investors, industry leaders, the American Chamber of Commerce Nepal, and other American business leadership. It also opened avenues for building new business relationships and partnerships.

During the closing ceremony, Mike Harker, Public Affairs Chief of the US Embassy Nepal, remarked that this showcase was not only the conclusion of a program but also a significant example of the strong economic partnership between the United States and Nepal. He expressed pride in promoting innovation by investing in Nepal’s forward-thinking entrepreneurs and strengthening economic diplomacy and private-sector collaboration through enhanced relationships among entrepreneurs, industry, and investors. He emphasized the importance of this collaboration in contributing to Nepal’s economic development.

The approval process for a new agreement between Nepal and Japan concerning the newly proposed Employment for Skill Development (ESD) program has been delayed due to disagreements over service fee provisions. Japan has proposed a service fee equivalent to two months’ salary, while the Nepalese government insists on reducing the financial burden on workers by limiting the fee to one month. The delay in finalizing the agreement could impact Nepali workers planning to go to Japan, prompting the Ministry to establish a study committee to prepare a resolution.

Kathmandu, 24 Shrawan — Nepal has yet to finalize a necessary agreement with Japan to initiate the new foreign worker program known as the Employment for Skill Development (ESD). The process has been prolonged due to Nepal’s disagreement over the service fee clause in Japan’s draft agreement. Japan had initially given Nepal three months to conclude the agreement, with an expectation to finalize it by July; however, Nepal has not publicly issued an official stance even by August.

The lack of a signed agreement raises concerns about possible disruptions to the current procedure for sending workers to Japan. The ESD program is set to gradually replace the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) from 2027 onward. According to Dik Bahadur Khatri, president of the Nepal Foreign Employment Entrepreneurs Association, Japan proposes charging a service fee equal to two months of the worker’s salary. Nepal, however, finds this excessive and aims to cap the fee at one month’s salary.

Khatri explained, ‘Japan’s proposal is two months’ salary as a service fee, but according to our ministry’s assessment, that duration is too long. Therefore, negotiations on this matter have been ongoing for an extended period.’ Japan contends that the fee covers costs related to skill development, training, and appropriate worker selection. Employers and workers’ fees could be adjusted accordingly, the employers suggest.

He continued, ‘Japan argues that if the service fee is less than two months, ensuring an adequate supply of skilled workers will be difficult as it needs to cover expenses for skill development and training. They have expressed doubts about sending the right candidates under lower fees.’ Nepal, conversely, maintains that the fee must be reduced to lessen the economic burden on the workers. The Ministry of Labor has also introduced an ’employer pay principle’ policy, placing the cost burden on employers for foreign employment.

A Ministry official from the Youth, Labor, and Employment sector noted that the final draft of the agreement is under preparation. A study committee, headed by Joint Secretary Pitambar Ghimire, has been formed to examine service fee issues and is preparing to submit a report shortly. The Ministry plans to reconsider the service fee clause based on this report, which explains part of the delay in concluding the agreement.

The Japanese proposal bars service fees exceeding two months’ salary, yet Nepal has yet to determine the exact permissible fee below that threshold. Previously, under the TITP, a minimum service fee of 50,000 Nepalese rupees was set for incoming workers to Japan. With the TITP’s upcoming termination, the new fee structure requires clarification. The Ministry aims to finalize the fee and agreement draft within one to one and a half months.

Employers have urged swift resolution, warning that ongoing delays could negatively affect Nepali workers bound for Japan. According to Kunchha Dorje Dimdong, General Secretary of the Nepalese Foreign Employment Democratic Forum, the ESD program is intended as a replacement for the older TITP system. Japan plans to institute ESD legally within 2024, with full implementation from 2027.

Dimdong emphasized that the ESD’s primary goal is to develop foreign workers’ Japanese language skills and technical capabilities, transforming them into highly skilled workers over a roughly three-year period, during which they receive both on-the-job and linguistic training. ‘The program aims to simultaneously promote skill development, provide employment opportunities, and cultivate skilled labor,’ he said.

The ESD places greater emphasis on skill and language proficiency than TITP, and in some cases, workers may gain the right to change companies. The new recruitment process prioritizes transparency in fee structures, an effort aimed at addressing complaints about excessive fees under the previous system, according to Dimdong.

The absence of a finalized agreement risks disrupting the worker dispatch system. Nepal and Japan last signed a skilled worker dispatch agreement on March 26, 2019 (12 Chaitra 2075), enabling the specified skilled worker (SSW) system that permits dispatching workers in 12 sectors, including agriculture, nursing care, and hospitality, after language and skill examinations.

Before this, Nepal had been sending workers under the 2009 Technical Intern Trainee Directive. Registered manpower companies sent workers through JITCO. Japan abolished the JITCO system in 2017, replacing it with TITP, but Nepal continued using the older directive until the then Labor Minister Sharad Singh Bhandari issued updated procedures in 2023 (2080). The ministry formulated new procedures in alignment with Japan’s updated system.

Now, Japan intends to phase out TITP and fully launch ESD, making a new bilateral agreement necessary. Business leaders warn that failure to reach a timely agreement may affect the current TITP dispatch process and leave the future of Japanese employment uncertain until ESD is operational. ‘If the agreement is not reached, there could be issues for workers going under either TITP or ESD. Hence, it is crucial to make the appropriate understanding and quickly finalize the agreement,’ Khatri urged.

According to ministry officials, decisions on service fees will precede any further progress in the agreement, and it remains unclear whether Nepal will accept Japan’s proposed fee or enforce its own limits. As the Nepalese government moves forward with the employer-pay-principal policy, there is internal concern that including the two-month service fee provision could provoke criticism in the new agreement.

According to data from the Department of Agriculture, approximately 95.5 percent of paddy transplanting has been completed across the country. Sudurpashchim Province has achieved 100 percent completion, while Madhesh Province has shown significant progress compared to last year. Despite fertilizer shortages, transplanting has been completed on 1,308,383 hectares, the department reported. Kathmandu, 24 Shrawan – As in previous years, farmers have faced challenges such as lack of chemical fertilizers and various other issues this season. The government’s failure to supply fertilizer on time led to disappointment among farmers during the critical planting period. However, even without adequate fertilizer, paddy transplanting nationwide is now nearing its final stage.

According to the Department of Agriculture, as of 22 Shrawan, about 96 percent of transplanting has been completed nationwide. By the same time last year, only 91.31 percent was completed. This year, 95.5 percent of the area designated for paddy cultivation has been transplanted. Out of a total 1,370,062 hectares of suitable paddy land, transplanting has been accomplished on 1,308,383 hectares so far.

Provincially, Sudurpashchim has achieved transplanting on 154,150 hectares, equating to 100 percent completion. Bagmati Province follows with 97.82 percent, Karnali Province with 96.82 percent, Gandaki Province with 95.57 percent, and Lumbini Province with 94.83 percent transplanting completed. Koshi Province lags slightly behind with 93.69 percent transplanted area compared to other provinces.

Madhesh Province, regarded as the country’s main grain basket, has demonstrated clear and positive improvement this year. Due to irrigation shortages and delayed monsoon, only 76.54 percent of the area was transplanted by 25 Shrawan last year. However, this year 94.65 percent of the area, totaling 364,291 hectares, has been transplanted in Madhesh Province.

The 59th Annual General Meeting of the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA) and the election of the new executive committee are scheduled for this Friday. For the leadership of NATTA, three separate panels led by Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha, Yubika Bhandari, and Bharatjung Pandey are competing in the election. All three panels have made public commitments prioritizing the elevation of the tourism industry as a key pillar of the national economy. Kathmandu, 24th Shrawan.

Established in 1966, NATTA, the umbrella organization for tour and travel operators in Nepal, is set for a three-way leadership contest. The association’s 59th Annual General Meeting and the 25th executive committee election will take place this Friday. The three candidates for leadership are Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha, Yubika Bhandari, and Bharatjung Pandey, each heading distinct panels vying in the electoral race. This time, the competing groups have all placed the objective of making tourism a central foundation of Nepal’s economy at the forefront of their agendas. The current NATTA president is Kumar Mani Thapaliya. This election will determine the leadership and executive committee for the term 2026 to 2028.

A panel led by Senior Vice President Jiswan Tuladhar Shrestha has been announced for the upcoming NATTA leadership race. Campaigning under the slogan “Strong Leadership, Secure Business, and Prosperous Tourism,” this group unveiled a 12-point election manifesto on Saturday. The panel pledges to transform NATTA into a strong, inclusive, transparent, technology-friendly, and business-oriented institution. Encouraging new-generation tourism entrepreneurs is also a key priority for this group.

Yubika Bhandari, currently serving as General Secretary of NATTA’s executive committee, is contesting the leadership as well. Managing Director of Sashij Holidays International Travel and Tours Pvt. Ltd., Yubika’s panel is running with the slogan “Tourism rises, Nepal rises.” With over two decades of experience in tourism, she has served multiple terms on the NATTA committee. Her panel commits to giving equal priority to business operators outside the Kathmandu Valley.

The panel led by Bharatjung Pandey is also in the electoral fray. Pandey, Managing Director of Everest Miracle Travel and Tours, champions the slogan “NATTA Transformation.” This panel’s core mantra is “Empowered NATTA, prosperous tourism with and for members.” It emphasizes good governance, transparency, and active member participation.

According to data from the Department of Immigration, nearly 200,000 Nepalis travel abroad each year for tourism and pilgrimage purposes. Over the past five years, more than seven hundred thousand Nepalis have traveled overseas for various reasons, with 52 percent seeking foreign employment. The number of Nepalis studying abroad was 26,000 in 2021 and is projected to increase fivefold to 133,000 by 2025.

Immigration department statistics indicate that from 2021 to 2025, an annual average of 199,976 Nepalis have traveled abroad specifically for tourism and pilgrimage. This figure excludes those who have gone overseas for study, family visits, or temporary and permanent residency. In 2025 alone, 233,108 Nepalis traveled abroad for tourism and pilgrimage.

Recent years have seen a consistent rise in Nepali emigration. Over the past five years, a total of 7,126,459 Nepalis have gone abroad for various purposes, with 52 percent engaged in foreign employment. The department states, “These statistics highlight Nepal’s structural economic dependence on foreign employment.”

Latest figures from the Department of Immigration show that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the most preferred destination for Nepalis traveling abroad. In the past five years, the highest number of outbound travelers have gone to the UAE, averaging 271,893 Nepalis annually.

As the country grapples with an acute shortage of LPG gas for cooking, consumers are facing significant difficulties. In the Kathmandu Valley, police have been deployed to curb black market activities, but the government’s gas distribution system has proven to be completely ineffective. Industry Minister Gaurikumar Yadav’s market inspections and phone responses have been labeled by consumer rights activists as mere publicity stunts aimed at gaining popularity.

On 24th Saun, Kathmandu: As Saun nears its end, consumers nationwide remain distressed due to a severe shortage of LPG gas for cooking. Long queues persist at major city intersections as consumers are unable to get cylinders, preventing them from cooking meals at home. Some vendors have sharply increased prices, charging between NPR 7,000 to 8,000 for a single cylinder, exacerbating consumer suffering.

The situation clearly reveals systemic failure in the gas distribution mechanism, as the police have been mobilized in Kathmandu district to ensure distribution. Plainclothes units have been deployed across the valley to crack down on black marketeers. Data shows that on Saturday alone, approximately 8,000 cylinders were distributed from 55 locations in Kathmandu by police officers. However, gas distribution is not a police responsibility. The fact that dealers cannot provide a steady supply and black market activity has surged necessitating police intervention indicates the system’s failure.

This underscores the complete weakness of the government’s commerce and supply machinery.

A Minister’s Phone Calls: Gesture or Genuine Reform?

Amidst this shortage, an unusual scene unfolded on Saturday at the Ministry of Industry. Some YouTube channels were filming as Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Gaurikumar Yadav personally answered calls on the ministry’s toll-free number. She assured one consumer that gas would be available by the next day. To another caller, she recommended buying gas from Salt Trading, stating there was enough supply and consumers could purchase as needed.

Minister Yadav formally conducted monitoring visits at the old Nepal Oil Corporation building in Teku, Salt Trading’s office in Kalimati, and Nepal Gas Industry in Balaju during the afternoon. On the surface, this ministerial activity might appear responsive and responsible to consumers; such gestures often receive praise on social media. However, the question remains—should a minister’s role be limited to answering a few consumer calls? The issue is nationwide. Is it the minister’s responsibility that consumers have to travel to Salt Trading or the gas industry locations just to obtain cylinders? The fact that consumers must physically transport cylinders to Teku, Salt Trading, or Balaju highlights a systemic failure.

A government that talks about good governance but creates a scenario forcing consumers to carry cylinders across towns and intersections is an embarrassment. The solution must be nationwide, not restricted to Kathmandu Valley, as demonstrated by demonstrations where consumers carry empty cylinders in protest.

Consumer rights activist Madhav Timalsina described Minister Yadav’s market visits as a cheap publicity stunt. “The minister answering a few consumer calls and directing them to buy gas does not sustainably resolve supply issues,” Timalsina stated. “Inspection and monitoring should be conducted by district administration, the Commerce Department, and officials from the Oil Corporation. The minister’s role is to create policies and manage crises.”

He cited demand-supply imbalance and the Nepal Oil Corporation’s irresponsibility as key causes of the current crisis. The government has allegedly failed to implement lessons from past crises like blockades, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic, such as maintaining emergency buffer stocks and instituting early warning systems. “The corporation claims to have over 150,000 cylinders available, with daily market demand around 100,000, but only 20,000 are being supplied daily,” he explained. “Gas should be distributed by dealers near consumers, but due to panic, distribution from the industry itself occurs, which results in additional transport and commission costs of NPR 90 to 100 per cylinder to the industries. The whole system is fundamentally flawed.”

According to data, the Nepal LPG Gas Industry Association estimates it will take another 10 to 15 days to fully resolve the shortage. Meanwhile, the government and the Oil Corporation attribute the crisis to consumer panic buying and hoarding of excess cylinders. The Corporation is submitting data on increased import quotas from India. Spokesperson Manoj Thakur said the regular quota has been raised from 49,500 tons to between 54,000 and 55,000 tons. “Previously, 46,000 to 47,000 tons were being imported, but imports decreased over the last three months and demand increased, so now around 55,000 tons are being allocated,” he added.

The Nepal Oil Corporation claims no issues with supply from India. According to their figures, between Saun 10 and 21, approximately 1,754,154 cylinders worth of gas were imported and sold within 12 days. The daily average cylinder sales stand at about 110,000. Despite government claims that gas imports exceed daily consumption, queues have not diminished. For four months, distribution has been limited to roughly half a cylinder per consumer. In this context, both the government and corporation have failed to increase import quantities and improve distribution efficiency.

Executive Director Nagendra Sah of the Corporation claims the gas distribution system will normalize within a week. Discussions with Indian Oil Corporation have been completed and gas supply is coming as per demand. “Indian Oil is supplying as requested, and we are bringing as much as possible,” he said. “We are working to stabilize the situation within a week.”

Not a Stunt, But a System is Needed

What the minister needs to understand is that providing gas to one or two consumers cannot solve the problem faced by millions. Instead of theatrics at the ministry, the responsible agencies should be mobilized to reform the distribution system. Previous inspections have not yielded tangible success. The government’s priority should be to increase supply and formulate policies to end the gas shortage. If gas is sufficient but black market activity occurs, strict action must be taken against corrupt dealers or industries. Simply answering consumer calls or giving direct orders will not solve the problem, as its root lies in policy-level failures. The minister must effectively deploy the mechanism to ensure consumers receive gas easily. The government must make the distribution system transparent and straightforward by providing gas through dealers near the consumers. Otherwise, the minister’s popularity will not extend beyond mere optics. Citizens require a functional distribution system, not the minister’s “stunts,” during the gas shortage.

Nepalaya unveiled a collection of stories, poems, and essays by 75 young writers under the age of 25 on Saturday in Kathmandu. Narayan Wagle, Shravan Mukarung, and Bhushita Vashistha praised the creativity and intellectual maturity of the young authors, calling the day historic. The literary festival, held on the occasion of Nepalaya’s 20th anniversary, featured not only readings but also discussions and interactions on various narrative subjects. Nepalaya’s Arshala in Kalikasthan, Kathmandu, was packed to capacity. The event was distinguished by the presence of fresh young faces rather than the familiar faces usually seen in literary gatherings. Alka Atreya Chudal, a faculty member at the University of Vienna in Austria, remarked, “I was amazed to see such enthusiasm among young people for reading and writing. They are buying books and showing a renewed interest in literature. Today’s scene was truly beautiful.”

Last year, Nepalaya issued a call for submissions of stories, poems, and essays (Kakani) by writers under 25. The works of the 75 selected writers were unveiled on Saturday. Bringing together 25 storytellers, 25 poets, and 25 essayists under 25, this gathering ushered a new wave of creative voices into Nepalaya’s fold. The young authors congratulated each other for becoming writers at such a young age. Arya Nirola, a selected poet from Dharan who is currently an undergraduate psychology student in Kathmandu, said, “I found a platform that seemed impossible for me before.”

The story section of the published book features works by Ajay Karki, Anita Dhital, Anushka Lamichhane, Amit Bhattarai, Arya Adhikari, Ishan Dhakal, Umesh Karki, Kaviraj Kshetri, Kritisha Amatya, Tej Kumar Rai, Deepak Gautam, Deepika Khatiwada, Naveen Dhamala, Nischal Bhandari, Nirav, Pariksha Sharma, Pranika Shrestha, Prashant Wagle ‘Prakritik’, Madhusudan Ghimire, Rodinalal Shrestha, Shivraj Shahi, Samarpan Nyaupane, Samin Gaire, Suman Paudel, and Somanath Luitel. Narayan Wagle held an hour-long open dialogue with these selected storytellers and narrators. The selector said, “Reading your storytelling style and craftsmanship amazed me. Hearing your mature questions and perspectives today reminded me of the Jenji narrative movement.”

Similarly, the poetry section includes works by Anita Tiwari, Anupa Gaire, Arya Nirola, Utsav Acharya, Usha Limbu, Kamman Rawal, Gayatri Nepal, Gaurav Nyaupane, Johnson Shrestha, Dolma Lama, Teerth Raj Bishwakarma, Durga Khatiwada, Naveen Kumar Nepali, Naran Nyaupane, Prajwal Lohani, Pradeep Yonghang, Prisha Shashi, Yukta Sunuwar, Rasila Dhamala, Shrabhya Arya, Samriddha Hamal, Sujata Basyal, Sudarshan Prakash Khadka, Suranga Sedhai, and Spandan Jha. These poets participated in another open session moderated by poet and narrator Shravan Mukarung. “Your poems made me feel like an old worn-out coat; this is your time,” Shravan said. “I recommend your works to anyone seeking fresh voices.”

The essay section features selections from Anukrit Lamichhane, Aviral Jagri, Kanchan Kumar Basnet, Kavindra Joshi, Krisha Dahal, Jayani Pandit, Jigyasa Sonam, Dheeraj Pratap Malla Thakuri, Numa Thamsuhang, Parimal Prakash Nepal, Bhumika Tharu, Manswi Bantawa, Mamta Ghimire, Mahita Shrestha, Mohan Sangram, Vikram Nepal, Binod Lamichhane, Vivek Bhattarai, Shunya Nayan, Salina Bastola, Sanyog Basyal, Sanskriti Rizal, Sanjila Khanal, Sagar Ghale, and Sapeksh. Essayist Bhushita Vashistha connected online with emerging essayists. “Reading your works was not only delightful but also educational for me,” she said. “Your themes, styles, and literary maturity are beautiful.”

The three selectors — Shravan Mukarung, Narayan Wagle, and Bhushita Vashistha — engaged in conversations with the 75 contributing authors. Some writers participated online from abroad or outside Kathmandu. The youthful writers’ mature thoughts, sharp questioning, and deep curiosity impressed all three selectors. Shravan remarked, “Today is a historic day in Nepali literature, where strong writers have emerged with creative and intellectual intervention.”

“Our journey, which began with the publication of the novel “Palpasa Cafe,” has reached 20 years, and in this context, we sought new generation writers,” said Kiran Krishna Shrestha, team leader of Nepalaya. “Meeting so many enthusiastic young authors in one place, I see our literary community expanding.” In 2025, a call titled “25 Under 25” was issued openly. “The participation from across the world was encouraging,” said chief editor and convener Bimal Acharya. “The strong presence of the youth has unlocked new opportunities in literature.” Acharya also noted that the call challenged the view that young people neither read nor write and carried out related research documented in three books under the “Kakani Story” theme. Nepalaya organized a literary festival on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with various programs. Among them, historian and sociologist Lokaranjan Parajuli, author of the book “Sandhikal,” delivered the keynote speech titled “Libraries and Reading Traditions in Nepal.” He offered insightful comments on the importance and need for public libraries to the young authors.

Nepalaya also hosted a panel discussion titled “Contemporary Narrative,” moderated by Srijana Khadka, featuring the authors Narayan Dhakal (author of “Jagajjanani Unki Amako Naam Hoina”), Shravan Mukarung (author of “Salah”), and Om Rizal (author of “Paikelo”). The festival concluded with a documentary film screening on the Nepal tour of 2004 by the Nepathya band. Additionally, Nepalaya announced the formation of a film club at Arshala on the third Friday of every English month. A set of three books featuring young writers’ stories, poems, and essays is priced at NPR 1995 and is available at bookstores nationwide, various websites, and worldwide via Amazon.

More than 420,000 people have moved out of London within a year due to rising living costs, high rent, and unemployment. The development of work-from-home culture and desire for a better quality of life have attracted young people to comparatively cheaper and quieter cities such as Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, and Scotland. While London’s significance remains intact, Mayor Sadiq Khan is focusing on housing and job creation as the increasing outward migration is expected to have long-term effects on the city’s housing and labor markets.

For decades, London has been regarded as a city of opportunity. Attracting millions for its quality employment, higher education, world-class healthcare, and international lifestyle, the city now confronts new challenges. Recently released data from the Office for National Statistics shows that between June 2024 and June 2025, 420,492 people left the capital, relocating to other UK cities and rural areas. Analysts interpret this migration not merely as relocation but as a significant lifestyle shift.

London’s housing rent and property values continue to rise steadily. Daily essentials, transportation, and other service costs are higher than in most other UK cities. As a result, many families and young professionals have started choosing more affordable towns. The surge of work-from-home culture after the COVID-19 pandemic has further diminished the necessity to live in London for many jobs. Previously, proximity to the capital was essential, but now many companies offer remote work options, reducing the need to reside in a major city.

The unemployment rate in London stands at 6.5%, the highest in the UK compared to the national average of 4.9%. Tax data indicates that wage growth in London is also slower than in other regions. Internal migration analysis highlights Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, Scotland, Essex, Brighton, and Bristol as the primary destinations for those leaving the capital. The majority of people moving out fall within the 30 to 40-year-old age bracket, often accompanied by children.

New research shows that due to rising crime levels, slow career progression, and high rent, two out of five young people are likely to leave London within the next five years. The “London Heritage Quarter” report reveals a sharp decline in living standards among residents aged 18 to 30. Many young Londoners have begun to view city life less as an opportunity and more as a struggle for survival.

Nevertheless, London’s importance is undiminished. It remains the UK’s largest economic, financial, and cultural hub. Thousands of international students, skilled workers, and immigrants arrive annually. Some experts believe that despite increased internal migration, incoming international populations may balance future demographic shifts. A spokesperson for Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that the mayor has no doubt London is one of the world’s greatest cities. “Sadiq is tirelessly working to make London a city suitable for everyone. He is involved in building council housing, supporting the creation of over 330,000 new jobs, collaborating with the Metropolitan Police to reduce crime,” the spokesperson said, “and actively ensuring that people of all ages can progress, access opportunities, and enjoy a quality life.”