Westminster Conservatives are calling on Labour-controlled Westminster City Council to support their call for Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to provide a night tube on Thursday nights.
Cllr Paul Swaddle OBE, Conservative Group Leader at Westminster City Council, explains
"Westminster is the beating heart of London’s nightlife, culture, and economy. As Conservatives, we believe in practical solutions that support both our vibrant local businesses and the needs of those who live here.
Our economy is under attack by the Labour government nationally and locally.
Already hit by increases in business rates, now organisations are being slammed with National Insurance rises. Many venue owners I have met have said that they're cutting back on staff or reducing hours, and that their businesses are struggling to survive.
These are not just statistics – they’re livelihoods, jobs and the energy that keeps our city alive.
But there is a simple, practical step we can take to support them.
Extending the Night Tube to Thursdays is a forward-thinking policy that would give a vital boost to the West End and beyond. It would mean more trade, safer travel and a stronger nighttime economy."
The Economic Case: Thursday is the New Friday
With flexible and remote working on the rise, Thursday nights now see high footfall in areas like Soho and the West End. Many Londoners start their weekends early, and businesses report an increase in demand for late-night services. Extending the Night Tube further strengthen our hospitality, entertainment, and cultural sectors, helping venues stay open, hire more staff, and thrive in a competitive global city.
Cleaner Air, Less Congestion
Extending the Night Tube will encourage more people to use public transport rather than private cars or taxis, reducing road congestion, air pollution, and noise at street level. Fewer car journeys mean fewer emissions and a quieter, safer environment for residents, especially in densely populated areas of Westminster.
Reducing Late-Night Disturbance with Staggered Leaving Times
With more frequent trains throughout the night, crowds leaving venues will be spread over several hours instead of all at once. This helps prevent noise spikes, anti-social behaviour, and pressure on local services. Staggered departures mean less disruption for families and vulnerable residents, making Westminster’s streets safer and more pleasant at all hours.
Safer Journeys Home
Residents and businesses are united in the desire to counter the crime that built-up concentrations of visitors attract. With safe, reliable transport available later into the night, more Londoners and visitors could participate in late-night events, concerts, and theatre and return home quickly. Many night shift workers, including those in hospitality, healthcare, and cleaning, would benefit from improved transport options, making late-night commutes safer and more convenient.
Let’s ensure Westminster remains open, accessible, and sustainable. By backing the extension of the Night Tube to Thursdays, we are supporting Westminster’s businesses, protecting jobs, and improving quality of life for residents.
