No ‘Hexit’ for Havering
There have been recent calls from the Member of Parliament for Romford for a referendum on whether the London Borough of Havering should remain part of Greater London. This has since been rejected by the Leader of Havering Council, Keith Prince AM.
The London Assembly reaffirms 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."
The full text of the motion is:
“This Assembly notes recent calls by the Member of Parliament for Romford for a referendum on whether the London Borough of Havering should remain part of Greater London.
This Assembly believes that proposals to remove a London borough from the capital risk creating unnecessary division and uncertainty for residents, businesses and public services, while undermining strategic cooperation across transport, policing, housing, economic development and environmental policy.
This Assembly therefore welcomes Keith Prince, Leader of Havering Council’s decision to reject a referendum on Havering’s future status and recognises that, in doing so, he has acted to protect the interests of both Havering residents and Londoners as a whole by supporting the continued unity, stability and effective governance of Greater London.
This Assembly reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all London boroughs, including Havering, continue to benefit from and contribute to London-wide decision making and public services.”
The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.
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Notes to editors
- The Motion was agreed by 14 votes for and 0 votes against.
- Gareth Roberts AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Alison Bell in the Assembly Media Office on 07887 832 918 or [email protected]. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.