A greater devolution of powers to London is needed to protect ‘jobs, wealth and prosperity’ in the wake of Brexit vote, Khan says.
The capital’s mayor Sadiq Khan yesterday warned it would be impossible to protect Londoners from the economic fallout of leaving the EU ‘without more autonomy for London government.’
Speaking at a London devolution summit, the mayor called for an ambitious settlement for London, which would give City Hall and the boroughs more control over taxes raised in the capital and public services.
‘This is all about protecting Londoners' jobs, wealth and prosperity and providing an extra incentive for economic growth,’ he said.
‘Now is the time for us to raise our ambition and unite as a city to call for greater autonomy for Londoners.’
The former communities secretary Greg Clark welcomed Khan's call for more devolution last Monday. As The MJ reported, he said he was ‘very keen’ to devolve more to London after the city’s residents voted to remain in the European Union.
Colin Stanbridge, the chief executive of the London chamber of commerce and industry, said further devolution would benefit both the city and the UK.
‘Keeping London an economic success has always been vital not just to us who live and work in the capital but to the whole country,’ he said.
‘Now, as we face into the future, outside the EU, it is more important than ever that policymakers carefully consider what they can do to ensure the UK prospers, not falters, in the years ahead.’
The chair of London Councils, Cllr Claire Kober, welcomed the mayor’s call.
‘Devolution would enable London local authorities to continue to deliver essential public services during a period of austerity - and to forge ahead with the much needed integration of health and social care; skills and employment services; as well as tackling the city’s housing crisis,’ she said.
‘Bringing London together at this time is essential to solve the problems that concern Londoners the most.’
Image: Martin Hoscik / Shutterstock.com.
