Key information
Request reference number: MGLA120620-4776
Date of response:
Summary of request
I wish to make a Freedom of Information request, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, to ascertain the composition of the recently established Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, and documentation of the decision making process leading to its selection. It is essential that any such commission be truly reflective of the population it serves, particularly as the Mayor's announcement of the Commission contained thinly-veiled dissatisfaction with London's heritage. ("London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with more than 300 languages spoken every day, yet statues, plaques and street names largely reflect Victorian Britain – as highlighted by recent Black Lives Matter protests"; https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/mayor-unveils-commissi…). It would be disingenuous to suggest the Black Lives Matters movement sought to highlight the overrepresentation of Victorian luminaries in the structures of the city they were largely responsible for building, as opposed to highlighting the inequalities they are experiencing in the present day. Should we ever get around to building as many houses as London needs, perhaps you could consider naming the associated public realms after modern day luminaries, rather than try to re-name historical parts of the city. Please refrain from co-opting other peoples' battles to serve your own agenda.
Furthermore, I would like to obtain minutes of the discussions held by this Commission that concluded with the decision to remove the statue of Robert Milligan from West India Quay, with unerring haste, and without public consultation, on 9th June 2020, within 12 hours if the Commission being announced. Please reassure the community you serve that further decisions will follow due process, via public consultation, with opportunities for the public's views to be expressed.
Related documents
MGLA120620-4776 - FOI response