Boris backs bid to save taxi maker

LONDON mayor Boris Johnson has backed a campaign to save city firm London Taxi International (LTI).

Mr Johnson has told the Unite union it should be in no doubt over his support for what he described as the iconic black cab and said he would do everything he could to ensure production remained in this country.

“I remain fully committed to the future of the iconic black taxi,” he wrote in a letter to union chiefs.

“Please take this letter as proof of my support for your campaign to keep the black cab on the streets and thank you again for writing to me."

Mr Johnson and Prime Minister David Cameron had both been urged to publicly back efforts to save the ailing firm.

Union bosses have also launched a facebook campaign at facebook.com/SaveOurBlackCabs calling for more public support.

A decision over the company’s future is set to enter the final phase with the union claiming the shortlist of potential buyers was set to be whittled down.

We reported last week how crunch talks are set to take place at the Ricoh Arena this Wednesday (December 19).

In his letter to the Tory chiefs, Tony Burke, Unite assistant general secretary wrote: “Unite is asking you to commit your personal support to our campaign to ensure that the iconic black cab continues to be built in the UK.”

PwC could make its final decision on the company’s future later this month or in early January.

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