Assembly votes on 12 key issues for London

Assembly calls for law change on council tax arrears and budget votes

The London Assembly has today called for a change in the law to prevent Assembly Members who are significantly in arrears on their council tax from voting on the GLA budget, mirroring the rules already applied to local councillors.

Neil Garratt AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“People expect the highest possible standards of politicians in public office, and bringing requirements on Assembly Members into line with existing standards for Councillors would help show the public how seriously we take our jobs. “

“I hope that the Government will support our call to standardise these rules across Local and Regional Government and put onus on Assembly Members to ensure we are all up to date on paying our council tax.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

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Assembly wants reform of electoral systems

The London Assembly has today called for the Mayor of London to support reform of local government electoral systems towards a proportional model.

Gareth Roberts AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and our local democracy should reflect that. First Past the Post leaves too many voters unheard and too many communities under-represented.”

“If we want to fix the country - from the NHS and housing to the economy and local services - we need a political system that works properly: one that rewards collaboration, long-term thinking and genuine accountability.”

“That is why we are calling on the Mayor of London to back proportional representation for local elections, and for the Government to give Londoners and communities across England the fair votes they deserve.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

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No ‘L’ plates for commercial work

The Assembly has today called on the Government to prohibit the use of provisional licences (L plates) in London for commercial work, including food delivery driving, in order to improve safety for all road users.

Thomas Turrell AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"Londoners want to know that our roads are safe, and that people are not maliciously exploiting loopholes in the rules to enable them to drive without proper qualifications.

“This must stop and I am pleased that the Assembly has supported my motion calling for reforms to achieve just that."

MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

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Assembly stands in solidarity with Jewish communities

The Assembly has today made clear its full solidarity with London’s Jewish community, and its support for continued work between the Mayor, the Met, local authorities and community organisations to tackle hate crime and ensure Jewish Londoners feel safe, supported and welcome in London.

Susan Hall AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"The Golders Green attack struck fear into the heart of Britain's Jewish Community and other Londoners.

“I want to thank the brave officers who intervened to stop the attacker, as well as the bravery of the Jewish community in their resilience to the insidious evil they face in the form of antisemitism.

“We must do more to support British Jews, but I hope that this motion goes some way to conveying the strength of feeling here at City Hall."

MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]  

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Assembly calls for a Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights

The London Assembly highlighted concerns today about long hours, fatigue, workplace pressures, and access to adequate welfare facilities for bus drivers. Members called on the Mayor and TfL to formally recognise and support the principles of a London Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights.

Keith Prince AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"I am immensely pleased that the Assembly has agreed that the welfare, dignity and safety of London’s bus drivers should be a priority for the Mayor and TfL. Drivers and their trade unions have been raising concerns for a long time, and those concerns have now been formally recognised.

"It’s now incumbent on the Mayor to get on board with the Bus Drivers’ Bill of Rights, work with operators and unions, and see to it that conditions improve for drivers."

MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

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Assembly wants the Commissioner's High Commendation for Golders Green officers

The London Assembly is calling on Sir Mark Rowley to award the Commissioner's High Commendation to all the officers who responded to a terror incident in Golders Green in April, which saw two Jewish Londoners attacked.

Alex Wilson AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“This is a vindication for the brave officers who put their lives on the line to apprehend the alleged Golders Green knife attacker. It’s outrageous that they faced such a vile backlash, including from those in positions of power and great influence. To those officers - thank you.

"I sincerely hope that Sir Mark Rowley will do as we ask and award the Commissioner's High Commendation to all the officers who apprehended the alleged attacker”.

MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]  

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Jo Cox legacy should encourage respectful conduct in politics

The London Assembly has today recognised the recent 10th anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox MP and reiterated the importance of respectful engagement in political debate.

Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"While Assembly Members come from a range of political backgrounds with diverse beliefs, we are united in recognising that we must lead by example. 

"Political discourse is becoming increasingly polarised and our conduct has a ripple effect far beyond this chamber and as an Assembly we must hold ourselves to account." 

Elly Baker AM, who seconded the motion, said:

“Jo Cox MP reminded us that we have far more in common than that which divides us. At a time when abuse, intimidation and misinformation are becoming an increasingly common part of public life, that message is more important than ever.

“Political disagreement is healthy, but personal abuse and dehumanisation are not. Nobody should be discouraged from serving their community because they fear threats or intimidation.

“London’s democracy is strongest when debate is conducted with respect. We all have a responsibility to lead by example, stand up to toxic political discourse and help build a culture where people can disagree without hatred or abuse.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

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No ‘Hexit’ for Havering

The Assembly has today reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all London boroughs, including Havering, continue to benefit from and contribute to London-wide decision making and public services.

Gareth Roberts AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"Proposals to pull Havering out of the capital would create needless uncertainty for residents, businesses and public services, from transport and policing to housing and investment.

“I am pleased the Assembly has today reaffirmed that London’s boroughs are stronger together, and that Havering must continue to benefit from and contribute to London-wide decision making."

MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

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Calls for protection of trans people in wake of new EHRC guidance

The Assembly has today called on the Mayor and the Chair of the London Assembly to write to London’s MPs encouraging them to intervene in the adoption of the revised Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Code of Practice and to sign Early Day Motion 240, that raises serious concerns with the adoption of the code.

Benali Hamdache AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“Trans rights organisations have raised serious concerns about the revised Equality and Human Rights Commission Code of Practice, and the Assembly shares the view that the guidance is unworkable and risks worsening an already difficult climate for trans people, who continue to face significant discrimination and disadvantage.

“It’s important there’s cross-party agreement on this, demonstrating the Assembly’s support for trans Londoners and commitment to inclusion.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]  

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Mayor should gauge London Boroughs’ support for Live Facial Recognition

The London Assembly has today stated its support for LFR, when deployed lawfully and transparently, and has called on the Mayor and the Met Commissioner to reassure London Boroughs on the advancement of LFR technology and to ask them to confirm whether they support its deployment in their areas.

Emma Best AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"Live Facial Recognition has the potential to transform policing and improve detection rates at a time when frontline policing is stretched to capacity.

“We should be supporting technological developments that keep us safe, and I am pleased the Assembly has supported my call for the Mayor and the Met to advance the use of this technology in partnership with London boroughs."

MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]  

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Assembly hopes to see football come home

The Assembly has today put on record its thanks to the England men’s team for representing our country, and hopes to see them replicate the England women’s team success and bring the trophy home.

Bassam Mahfouz AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“London is incredibly proud of the role our city has played in England’s World Cup journey. This is a squad that not only represents the nation but represents the very best of London.

“A modern team that has shown dynamic football and ambition on the pitch. Players from different backgrounds have come together to represent our country with pride, determination and unity, showing that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

“We wish the squad every success and bring football’s biggest prize home.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Tony Smyth on 07763 251 727 / [email protected]  

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Assembly thanks organisations for Freedom Pass campaign

The Assembly has today welcomed the successful campaign to protect the Older Persons’ Freedom Pass, and would like to thank Age UK London and Unite Community London and Eastern for their campaign standing up this vital lifeline for older Londoners.

Elly Baker AM, who proposed the motion, said:

“The Older Persons’ Freedom Pass is much more than free travel. It helps older Londoners stay connected to their families, access healthcare, volunteer in their communities and live independent, active lives.

“Thousands of Londoners made their voices heard because they understood what was at stake. The successful campaign by Age UK London and Unite Community shows the value people place on protecting this vital lifeline.

“I’m pleased London Councils has listened and confirmed there will be no changes. Protecting the Freedom Pass means protecting older Londoners’ independence and ensuring they can continue making such an important contribution to life in our capital.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

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