Letter from Boris!

Dear MANUEL,

Well, our city is still here despite the best efforts of the RMT leadership. Our 21st century city is more than capable of dealing with the occasional intrusion from the 1970's.

I salute the grit, determination and spirit shown by all Londoners and transport staff in keeping London moving during the completely unnecessary strike action. They have shown that a strike will not bring our city to a halt.

Despite the RMT leadership's intention to force a total shutdown of the network, many thousands of London Underground staff came to work and services operated on nine out of eleven tube lines on both Wednesday and Thursday.

60,000 fans were transported safely to see England triumph over Andorra at Wembley.

So life goes on, and my focus is returned to the major issue facing our city - getting through the recession.

The epicentre of this recession is surely the drying up of the river of credit that has forced many companies to downsize or go out of businesses altogether. This has been particularly bad for small businesses - arguably the rock upon which our economy sits.

This is why I have launched a £3 million scheme to offer loans to small businesses who are struggling to access credit. There are many businesses out there with viable business plans, but find themselves turned away by the banks. For those with nowhere left to turn, this scheme will give them a lifeline and help them stay afloat and secure jobs.

This isn't just a PR opportunity - businesses are already benefitting including a sandwich shop in Bishopsgate and a ticketing agency in Hackney.

Speaking to small businesses gives me great heart that our city will get through this recession. I'm inspired by the can-do spirit of so many, and I will do everything in my power to help them.

This week has given us definitive proof - if any were ever needed - that London is at its best when faced with a challenge. The same spirit that kept us moving during the strike is the spirit that will get us out of the recession quicker and with a greater recovery than anywhere else.

Have a great weekend,



Boris Johnson