FOI - New Year's Eve 2024 [Jan 2024]

Your request 

Q1(a). On the 'Home page', does the "We" in the heading 'We are London' (underneath the banner 'MAYOR OF LONDON' 'LONDONASSEMBLY') represent The People of the UK?

Q1(b). If the answer to the question above is no, does the 'We' in the heading 'We are London' represent the UK Government?

Q1(c). If the answer to Q1 is no, who does the 'We' in the heading 'We are London' represent?

Q2(a). How much in total, exactly, was made from the sale of tickets to this event?

Q2(b). How much in total (with catagorised breakdowns) were the costs for the New Year 2024 event, including but not limited to; (i) the temporary infrastructure needed for the event (ii) the time it took workers to put this infrastructure up (iii) the time it took workers to take the infrastructure down (iv) extra security and police

Q2(c). How much profit was made, in total, from this event?

Q2(d). How was this profit split after costs (with evidence)?

Q3. Who made the decision for this event to go ahead?

Q4. How many meetings were held to discuss this event? (I require the total number along with all the dates they were held, and the minutes of each meeting preferably in PDF form - this is to ascertain which elected councillors were present, and their input).

Q5(a). Were the UK general public and/or citizens of London informed of this event before a decision was made to go ahead with the event?

Q5(b). If the answer to the question above is yes, I require the date London citizens and the UK general public were informed, including the type of media used to announce the event (this is to make sure there was no discrimination against those who are unable to access the internet, or read etc. - under the Equality Act 2010).

Q6. Were the UK general public and/or citizens of London asked for their opinion regarding this event, and how much tickets should cost, before a decision was made?

Q7. Who was the man / woman who gave the final permission for this event to go ahead?

Q8. Where does this man / woman get their authority to make this decision?

Q9. Fencing off public areas and charging citizens to travel within their own country violates several human rights. I require the law that permits a public body to charge its citizens to assemble in peaceful celebration. Please clearly identify, specifically, where it states said public body can supercede the following rights - The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR): (i) Article 2 of Protocol No.4 - Freedom of Movement (ii) Article 8 - Respect for Private and Family Life (iii) Article 11 - The Right to Freedom of Assembly (iv) Article 14 - Protection From Discrimination Human Rights Act 1998 - (i) Article 2 - The Right To Participate in Public Life. This means the Government, and all public officials have the following obligations; Respect individuals freedoms and rights, by not imposing restrictions (including financial). Make sure procedures are in place to ensure all can enjoy these rights and freedoms. Make judicial procedures available to appeal if basic requirements are not met.

Q10. How are the Authorities' obligations under ECH Article 11 are being met regarding this event?

Q11(a). Do the UK government, public bodies, civil servants and all other crown corporations obtain their authority from The People of the UK?

Q11(b). If the answer to the above question is no, then I require an answer to where the UK Government, public bodies, civil servants and all other crown corporations obtain their authority from.

Q12(a). I require the law that states Acts, Statutes and Legislation supercedes Natural Law (outside of emergency situations which require immediate mass cooperation). In particular; no man is above another man, we are all born with the same God-Given freedoms and rights, and all are equal under law. Natural Law is the highest law-of-theland, mankind built corporations, governments and monarchies, and therefore none of these things can be above mankind. Where do 350 elected men and women in the UK obtain the authority to write words into 'law'?

Q12(b). Do Members of Parliament, Police and Military Personnel swear an Oath of Allegiance to the King (or more specifically, the crown that represents the Sovereign)?

Q12(c). Does the King (or more specifically the Monarch being sworn in as a representation of The Sovereign during the Coronation Ceremony) swear the Coronation Oath with their right hand on the KJV Bible?

Q12(d). Does this ritual represent the importance, and recognition of a higher power, being God Almighty?

Q12(e). Does this mean the Monarch has an obligation to uphold Gods law? (otherwise known as natural law to those who are not religious, or more generally the 'law-of-the-land')?

Q12(f). Does the UK have a procedure for when either the Monarch or his Government commits treason?

Q12(g). Hypothetically, if the King does not step in to correct his Government if they commit treason, (meaning he commits high treason) does the (sovereign) Crown return to represent The People / citizens of the UK?

Q12(h). Does the above procedure [12(b) - 12(g)] mean that The People / UK citizens are Sovereign, electing government officials to represent their best interests without fear or favour, or bias or corruption? If the answer to the above is yes, then there can be no such law that supercedes any UK citizens unalienable freedoms or rights; to travel, assemble, or peacefully celebrate freely within their own country.

Our response

Part 1: The GLA is London's strategic government. Information about who we are, what we do and our priorities for London can be found on our website at: Home page (london.gov.uk)

The Mayor was delighted to welcome in 2025 with London’s incredible show. Featuring the world-first use of hologauze animation alongside our unique combination of fireworks, lighting and music for the millions watching at home and around the globe, we sent a message of unity, hope and love to the world, showing that London is for everyone.

The world-class display brings in huge numbers of domestic and international tourists into London to watch the event every year. In addition, showcasing our capital and tourist attractions on a global stage helps drive domestic and international tourism across the year – providing a significant economic boost to London.

Data from the GLA’s previous events indicates that NYE ticketholders alone spend, on average, £138.75 in the capital, generating more than £14m of additional revenue for London’s businesses and economy, not including the additional revenue generated from visitors without tickets visiting. The GLA makes no profit from the event.

In 2021, a report by professional services firm Hatch, and promotion organisation London & Partners, revealed that major events contribute more than £600m on average to the capital’s economy every year. The report also found that these events can be a huge catalyst towards London’s recovery from the pandemic. It estimated that every visitor to a concert and cultural event generated, on average, £23 to the London economy.

Part 2 (a-b): The final costs for the 2024 event are still being reconciled, however, due to commercial sensitivities, we cannot provide detailed cost breakdowns.

The GLA budget for the 2023 event was £4.1m with additional costs being supported by ticket revenue of £1.75m.

New Year’s Eve is a very busy night for London, regardless of the fireworks event, requiring significant resources from London’s blue light services. However, the GLA does not hold information regarding costs for the Police for New Year’s Eve.

Part 2 (c): None.

Part 2 (d): Not applicable.

Part 3 – 5(a): It is within the Mayor of London’s remit to support the international promotion of London. The Mayor of London made a strategic decision to stage London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, which involved significant consultation with statutory agencies, businesses and residents. The event was widely promoted across both traditional and digital media.

Part 5(b): The announcement regarding the first batch of tickets going on sale was made on Friday 11 October. The event was widely promoted across both traditional and digital media.

Part 6: The GLA receives significant feedback about the New Year’s Eve fireworks event, which it uses to inform its planning, as well as consultation with businesses, residents, landowners and statutory agencies.

The income generated through ticket sales does not cover the cost of the event. The price is set at a level which lessens the impact to the public purse, whilst trying to keep the cost as low as possible, particularly for Londoners who paid either £20 or £35 for their tickets.

Part 7: The Mayor of London makes a strategic decision to stage London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, which supports the international promotion and long-term economy of London.

In terms of the event going ahead on the night, the GLA works with its appointed production company and key partners and stakeholders – including specialist contractors and suppliers, local authorities, landowners and emergency services – to ensure the event can be delivered safely in accordance with the agreed event plan.

Part 8: Under the Greater London Authority Act (1999), the Mayor of London has a remit to support the international promotion of London. The Mayor of London makes a strategic decision to stage London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, which supports the international promotion and long-term economy of London.

In terms of the event going ahead on the night, the GLA works with its appointed production company and key partners and stakeholders – including specialist contractors and suppliers, local authorities, landowners and emergency services – to ensure the event can be delivered safely in accordance with the agreed event plan.

Part 9: We work closely with the relevant Local Authorities, MPS and TfL to secure the appropriate permissions and licenses to hold this event safely which includes; temporary traffic orders, temporary road closures, temporary street trading licenses, and temporary structure licenses.

We do not hold information within the scope of the remainder of your request.