CITYMATTERS.LONDON 24 - 30 May 2017 | Page 5 News <strong>Matters</strong> Force feeling GREEN PARTY PUTS ITS FAITH IN 18-YEAR-OLD UNI STUDENT the squeeze MONEY laundering is on the rise in the <strong>City</strong> but the Square Mile police force is facing a tougher task to stamp it out. That is the view of major accountancy firm Moore Stephens after it released figures that show a correlation between budget cuts and increased reports of fraudulent activity locally. The number of investigations into money laundering (year-on-year) by <strong>City</strong> of London Police jumped by nearly 50% to 23 in 2015, adding to a total of 104 cases conducted over the last half decade. But strains are growing on the force’s anti-fraud department, with the service reporting a 15% cut in its budget over the past five years, down to £121.6m for the 2014/15 financial year. New kid on the block says he’s in it to win it STANDING as the Green’s youngest candidate, this 18-year-old general election hopeful is busy campaigning out in the <strong>City</strong> despite his father telling him he’s “not going to get his vote,” writes Anahita Hossein-Pour. Originally from a Conservative-voting family in Blackburn, Lawrence McNally broke the family trend during his second year at Runshaw College – which famous alumni includes Lib Dem leader Tim Farron – by joining the Greens. “I was feeling disengaged with the whole political environment, we had the wave of elections, so I joined the Green Party because of that,” Lawrence told <strong>City</strong> <strong>Matters</strong>. Progressive A year and half later, Lawrence has set his sights on MP for the Cities of London & Westminster, which he believes needs a “strong, progressive voice” in the wake of Brexit. The <strong>City</strong> also became the fresher’s new home 10 months ago as he began studying Ancient History at King’s College London, but with his brother Harvey nearby (a hairdresser in Putney), Lawrence said it’s great for family support. Hitting the campaign trail, Lawrence aspires to take on the same political style as London Mayoral candidate Sian Berry, who came third after Sadiq Khan and Zac Goldsmith in the 2016 election. “I think her campaign Doorman left beaten in late night assault A DOORMAN was left needing surgery on his hand after being viciously attacked while on duty. Officers have been investigating the savage assault, which took place outside a Leadenhall Street pub in the early hours of 19 February, for some time, and have released this CCTV image in the hope someone recognises the man pictured. The victim was left hospitalised after a group of people had been asked to leave the Steam and Rye pub by security staff. Outside the venue, a member of the group approached the doorman and attacked him, leaving cuts on his face and seriously injuring his hand. Detective Constable Mark Alston, from the <strong>City</strong> of London force, said: “I would encourage THE Corporation has come in for criticism after putting the brakes on ambitious plans to utilise a Crossrail access shaft once the major project is complete. Planning chiefs rejected proposals to install an automated underground bike parking unit at the site in Finsbury Circus, and will instead fill the shaft with concrete when work is finished. But the decision not to pursue a solution that would offer 240 extra spaces to a 10,000-strong cycling commuter population has not passed by without comment. Infrastructure campaigner was really great, it wasn’t based on personal attacks, it was based on positive progressive values, I think it was a nice change to see in politics... that’s what the public really want to see.” The newbie campaigner has rallied his university friends for the handing out of leaflets and doorknocking, spreading his message which includes plans to boost student representation in the <strong>City</strong>. The candidate wants to scrap tuition fees and outstanding debts, much to the delight of the generation hit by the £9,000 hike. Decline McNally also backs a ratification referendum, the “Robin Hood” tax and, in the spirit of the Greens, an expansion of the cycle highways which he uses to ride to university. From an Ancient History student’s point of view, Lawrence definitely sees the country in decline. He said: “We’ve got a Conservative government looking out for the 1%, if you want to contrast that to Ancient Rome I suppose you could.” The aspiring politician diplomatically responded to the reoccurring question put to him, of what will happen to his university studies if he triumphs at the polling stations and is elected. “I’d like to be optimistic and say I’m in this to win it, but I think we can cross that bridge if we come to it.” public appeal: to ID this man anybody that was in the area and witnessed this incident to come forward and talk to us. Since this assault took place we have been conducting a thorough investigation. “I appreciate that this incident occurred in February but I ask anyone that may recognise the man in the image to please get in touch with us at the earliest possible opportunity.” If you can help the investigation call 020 7601 2999 and quote CR/1062/17. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Bespoke storage unit is binned for The London Cycling Campaign, Simon Munk, told cycling news website road.cc: “We know there’s a serious shortage of cycle parking in the whole of central London, including the <strong>City</strong> – public, secure residential and workplace parking. “The <strong>City</strong>, as with much of central London, has a lot more to do also to make cycling feel safe on its streets.” It is reported that the £3million estimated bill, plus ongoing fees relating to maintenance of the storage unit, influenced the committee’s final verdict. Old Street Barbican Goswell Rd Long Lane BARBICAN DENTAL CENTRE BARBICAN DENTAL CENTRE Fann St Old Street Golden Lane Fortune St Beech St election hopeful: Lawrence McNally General Dentistry Cosmetic Treatment Orthodontics Dental Implants Sedation Tooth Whitening Hygienist Service Providing NHS and Private Dental Care in the <strong>City</strong> Call to make an appointment 0207 253 3232 16 – 18 Goswell Road, London, EC1M 7AA www.barbicandentalcentre.com info@barbicandentalcentre.com Something to share? Send your <strong>City</strong> of London stories to jo@citymatters.london