Kiley plans public talks on PPP

London's Transport Commissioner Bob Kiley is considering holding a series of last-ditch public meetings to illustrate feeling against the proposed part-privatisation of the Tube.

The move follows reports that the Prime Minister and Transport Secretary Stephen Byers are to hold a series of "roadshows" across London for Labour Party members pressing the benefits of their controversial public-private partnership (PPP.)

Mr Kiley wrote immediat e ly to Mr Byers demanding to take part, saying if the Government was going to try to tell Londoners that breaking up the network is a good idea, he wanted to be on the platform saying why it isn't. Mr Kiley, however, has not received an answer to his request, made last Monday. Now sources say he wants to go it alone with the public meetings anyway.

His aides are becoming increasingly worried that ministers are going to force through their controversial scheme.

Mr Kiley also said today that landowners should help pay for public transport improvements in and around London which can increase their land values.