Assembly wants London’s voice on Brexit heard

The London Assembly today agreed a motion calling for London to‎ take a full role in negotiations around the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.

In support, it has agreed to establish a working group to examine the effects of the referendum result on London and Londoners. This would make recommendations to the Mayor, the government and any other relevant parties, to ensure London’s voice is heard in the negotiations.

Len Duvall AM, who proposed the motion said:

“London undoubtedly faces tumultuous times as we come to terms with the consequences of Brexit. We must accept the decision of the British people, whilst also respecting the views of the majority of Londoners who wanted to remain in the EU.

Brexit will bring unique challenges for London, particularly in terms of trade and security, and a working group will allow us to fully assess the impact on our capital. It’s vital that we properly scrutinise this process and that we put the right questions to government and others to ensure they are favourably making the case for London.”

Sian Berry AM, who seconded the motion said:

“It is clearer than ever that all citizens in London need to work for unity, to defend our EU citizens, our jobs and businesses, and our environment. We can't let what happens next in London be left to one man, the Mayor. This won't be a quick or easy process, and I hope the Assembly will be able to get into the detail to make sure that whatever happens next is in the interests of all Londoners.”

Caroline Pidgeon AM, who seconded the motion said:

“London has benefited greatly from being part of the European Union, especially in terms of investment and the creation of jobs. It was not by chance that the vast majority of Londoners wanted to remain in the EU. Sadly we can’t turn back the clock back to reverse the result but we can at least plan for the future and work to ensure that the voice of London is properly heard at an international level.”

The full text of the Motion is:

This Assembly recognises and accepts the democratic vote of the British people to leave the European Union.

This Assembly also notes that London, as a region of Britain, voted overwhelmingly to remain within the European Union.

This Assembly recognises that the decision to leave the European Union will have major consequences for London, as the capital of Great Britain, and for the lives of people who live and work in this city.

This Assembly believes strongly that London’s voice needs to be heard loudly and clearly in the consequential negotiations regarding Britain’s exit from the EU.

This Assembly therefore determines to set up a working group to examine the effects of Britain’s vote to leave the European Union on London and Londoners, and to make recommendations to the Mayor, to the government and any other relevant parties with whom we may favourably make the case for London over the coming years.

This working group should be set up as soon as is practicable and as a Panel of the London Assembly’s Oversight Committee.

Further to the Mayor of London's and Prime Minister's statements, this Assembly also endorses the view that London should‎ take a full role in the highest level of negotiations around the UK's withdrawal from the European Union.