Given the number of recent issues with unsuitable advertisements on Transport for London (TfL) services will you consider carrying out a more comprehensive review of TfL advertising policies?

TfL has a comprehensive and rigorous advertising policy and copy review process, and its media partners continue to work with advertisers to ensure all advertising that runs on TfL’s network complies with both TfL policy and Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) regulations.

TfL’s advertising policy is not static; it is adapted and updated to respond to changing circumstances. In June 2016, a month after I was first elected as Mayor, I instructed TfL to update its policy to ensure advertising does not cause pressure to conform to an unrealistic or unhealthy body shape or create body confidence issues, particularly amongst young people. In February 2019, I asked TfL to update its policy again to include restrictions on advertising for food and non‑alcoholic drinks high in fat, sugar or salt, in support of my London Food Strategy, which highlighted that London has one of the highest levels of childhood obesity in Europe. In both cases, we have seen advertising on the TfL network has changed for the better since our policy changes were introduced.

I said it in my manifesto: TfL is currently working with the GLA to develop a new policy for advertising associated with harmful gambling. However, TfL is not the regulatory body for out‑of‑home advertising in London, and, as such, TfL advertising policy is underpinned by a requirement for advertisers to comply with the ASA’s advertising codes and advertising guidelines.

TfL’s media partners work closely with the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) to ensure that the ASA’s requirements are correctly interpreted by advertisers. Where necessary, the advice of the CAP may be sought to ensure that in their view, the advertising copy complies with the advertising code. TfL also has further safety mechanisms in place in specific areas; for example, since 2018, TfL has asked its advertising partners to refer all cryptocurrency advertising to them for review prior to it running on TfL estate, so it can ensure that campaigns contain sufficient information to comply with both its policy and the ASA ruling. In response to the ASA’s investigation into some cryptocurrency advertisements following complaints in late 2021, TfL has taken the further interim measure of refusing copy where the advertisement contains imagery or messaging similar in nature to those being investigated. I am pleased that the Government has announced earlier this week they have plans to legislate to address misleading crypto‑asset providers.

Thank you very much, Mr Mayor, that was a really useful rundown of the events so far. I am here today to put to you, again, an idea I first raised a while ago. In June 2019 I had an oral question in the old City Hall about having a wider review of advertising policies, and then I asked you for a proactive review in order to anticipate some of these things rather than waiting for new scandals.

After the 2021 election, I pitched to your team a proposal with two parts. Now, I know the idea of charging differently for things with different social and environmental impacts went down very, very badly at that meeting, and I am not pressing that one today, but the other part I think would solve a lot of problems and fuss. This was to take a specific ‘green list’ approach to permitted product categories, not one that is just reactive and leaves us playing whack‑a‑mole with new problems as they emerge, such as the cryptocurrencies you have talked about and also, the short‑term lettings companies that we had to retrospectively ban. It has been a real issue to have to keep fixing things. It has taken a while, for example, to ban gambling adverts, but we saw a surge last year when people were particularly vulnerable.

I just wondered, would you be prepared to discuss again with me this aspect of my proposals, the ‘green list’ approach, where new product categories need to apply and demonstrate they are not going to harm Londoners before they get to be included in the policy?

TfL works in partnership with not just its media partners, but those responsible for advertising, both regulations and the code. We are always proactive in relation to issues that we think are emerging, and our criteria is far more rigorous than the advertising standards. For example, we are doing some thinking in relation to fossil fuels ‑‑

Exactly, that as well, yes.

‑‑ in relation to what goes on there. However, we cannot be prescriptive. We are adapting our policies to make sure they meet the needs of the market and our third‑party partners, while also being a responsible place where adverts are placed.

The responsibility on TfL is twin‑fold. First, we have to make sure we maximise revenues for the reasons I have rehearsed in relation to the financial challenges caused by the pandemic, but also, we have a responsibility ‑‑

Yes. If I can clarify that, I am talking about a change in approach from essentially what we have now, which is a banned list, to a green list, a list that then people need to apply to join. That is a change in approach completely. I did not expect you not to have any issues with this, and I have asked for a further discussion. Would you be prepared to help organise that, maybe with you or with the people at TfL who might have practical questions?

Chair, I find it is of huge benefit to both me and Londoners to regularly meet with Siân, and so I am more than happy to organise for such a meeting.

Thank you, Mr Mayor. You will do it anyway at the end, so let us just get it over with.

Listen, I am there for all Londoners, Siân, including you.