Tory MPs have blasted Labour’s “disgraceful” blocking of a Government-backed bill to overturn the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Downing Street has denied that it was “riding roughshod” over devolved powers by backing the proposed legislation.
But Labour MPs spoke at length against the change to ensure the Bill failed to progress.
The second reading debate was still taking place at 2.30pm, which is the cut-off time for private members’ bills to be considered during a Friday sitting.
Mr Johnson asked for the debate to resume on April 19, but it is highly unlikely to be considered further in its current form.
Tory MP Louie French said: “[It is] clear from the start of today’s debate that Labour MPs are going to try and filibuster and block it. Disgraceful.
“Labour are not on the side of working people.”
People who drive in the zone in a vehicle that does not meet minimum emissions standards are required to pay a £12.50 daily fee or risk a £180 fine, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper had stressed that getting the Bill through Parliament was not guaranteed.
He said: “The government has been clear the Mayor of London’s decision to expand ULEZ charging area to the London borders, in breach of his own manifesto commitment, is a tax on the poorest motorists, which his own impact assessment states, in terms of air pollution, will only have a moderate impact on NOx and minor impact on particulates.”
Intervening during a 33-minute speech by Labour MP Lilian Greenwood, Bill sponsor Gareth Johnson MP said: “It’s obvious both she and the Labour Party wish to talk out my Bill to overturn the expansion of Ulez.”
Ms Greenwood said a serious public health issue was being “used for purely party political point-scoring”.
She said: “The ultra-low emission zone and indeed emission charging zones are a Tory policy, they were pushed onto local government by a Tory government and first championed here in London by a Tory mayor.”
The Ulez expansion was a “blatant money grab”, Conservative MP Steve Tuckwell said.
He told MPs: “The London mayor’s approach through the expansion of Ulez to outer London has nothing to do with air quality, it has everything to do with punishing hard-working families and businesses of all sizes.”
Downing Street has denied that it is “riding roughshod” over devolved powers by backing the Bill.
Asked whether the Prime Minister thought this was the case, a Number 10 spokeswoman said: “He wouldn’t agree with that.
“This is about making sure that communities and drivers are able to have their say on important issues. The Government has been consistent in supporting motorists and it’s in line with that.”
Asked whether other regional mayors should be concerned the Government might legislate to “encroach” on their powers, she added: “I think that’s firmly in the realms of the hypothetical.”
