The London Assembly today agreed a motion urging the Mayor to stress to the Government the importance of a fair trade deal with the US, for London and the UK. It does not want the urgent need to establish new trade deals to weaken the Government’s hand in negotiations.
The Assembly also expressed concern about the impact of future trade agreements on London, due to the recent travel ban.
Fiona Twycross AM who proposed the motion said:
It is vital that we, in the most diverse city in the world, make it absolutely clear that we condemn the recent travel restrictions implemented by Donald Trump, which is why I am so pleased the Assembly has supported this motion today.
The Mayor’s London is Open campaign rightly states that London is the best city in the world, and that we are entrepreneurial, international and outward looking. The key ingredient of our city’s success has been the flow of brilliant ideas and talent from across the globe. The recent actions of the US President could limit this.
The travel ban is cruel and discriminatory. It panders to people's fear and prejudice. The UK Government's response to it has been feeble thus far, perhaps for fear of offending Donald Trump. The Government should unequivocally condemn the travel ban, and take real action to ensure our capital is not going to be adversely affected both in terms of people and trade.
The full text of the amended motion is:
“This Assembly welcomes the Mayor’s immediate and unequivocal condemnation of the US President’s decision to ban travel to the US for people of several, predominantly Muslim, nationalities. We welcome the Mayor’s comments that any travel ban based on nationality or religion, including bans on Israeli citizens, “is shameful and cruel”.
London should always be a city that espouses the global values of tolerance, diversity and freedom. London is one of the most diverse cities in the world and many of its residents could be affected by the restrictions – be it for personal reasons, or business.
This Assembly fears that that this decision establishes the direction of travel for Donald Trump’s presidency and we are concerned about future agreements between the US and UK and their impact on London; not only in regard to travel, but future trade agreements as well.
We therefore call on the Mayor to make representations to the UK Government to ensure that any future trade agreement with the US will be a fair deal for London and the UK. This includes a careful examination of the potential impact of the deal to vital services, such as the NHS, and assurances that standards for imported goods and services will be maintained, not reduced to meet levels used in the US. The Government should not let the urgent need to establish new trade deals weaken its hand in these negotiations.”
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed by 13 votes for and 1 against.
- Fiona Twycross AM, who proposed the motion is available for interviews. Please 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 Sonia Labboun on 020 7983 5769. 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.