The London Assembly today put on record its gratitude to all those who helped and cared for injured and affected Londoners, during the recent major incidents in the capital.
A motion, agreed unanimously, said that lessons can, and must, be learnt from these events.
During the meeting, Assembly Members offered their condolences to those affected by the incidents and expressed their gratitude to the emergency services. The Assembly also pledged to work to shed light on what more could and should have been done to help to keep Londoners safe.
Jennette Arnold OBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly, who proposed the motion, said:
"There's no doubt that London and Londoners have faced extremely trying times in recent months, and that we have seen some unimaginable things in our city.
Whilst it is right that our immediate priority is to focus on the needs of those affected, the Assembly will ensure that anything that should have been done differently in the past - and could be done differently in the future - will be discussed transparently in our Chamber.
The dedication we have seen from our emergency services, and from communities coming together to support friends and strangers alike, really does demonstrate the true spirit of London."
Tony Arbour AM, Deputy Chairman of the London Assembly, who seconded the motion said:
“It was humbling to see the community responses at all of the recent tragedies that have occurred in our city. This demonstrates the unquenchable spirit of London.
The bravery, generosity and care shown by our neighbours is proof that these horrific events do more to unite us than divide us.”
The full text of the Motion is:
London has experienced a number of major incidents over the past months, at Westminster, Borough Market, Grenfell Tower in Kensington and the Muslim Welfare Centre at Finsbury Park. Apparent throughout these events is that ordinary Londoners have shown bravery and compassion, just as London’s emergency services officers showed professionalism and dedication to duty. This Assembly puts on record its gratitude to all those who helped and cared for injured and affected Londoners.
Over time, lessons can, and must, be learnt from these recent events. This Assembly will work to shed light on what more, if anything, could be done and should have been done to help to keep Londoners safe. But, for now, London stands strong, and always will.
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Jennette Arnold OBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly, is available for interview – see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 020 7983 4228. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.