The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan will condemn what he calls a “strong undercurrent of anti-London sentiment from many politicians” and is set to urge London’s
leaders to join him in standing up for the city.
The Mayor’s rallying cry will come as he addresses political and business leaders from across the capital at the annual London Government Dinner, which will return to its traditional home at Mansion House this evening after being held virtually for two years during the pandemic.
In his keynote address, the Mayor will outline the damaging impact of anti-London rhetoric in the national political discourse. Sadiq will highlight the damage this is doing to transport in the capital, the future of the City and the impact it has on Londoners facing up to the cost of living crisis.
Sadiq will say: “I fear that the Government’s anti-London approach could seriously exacerbate the cost-of-living crisis.
“Even before these latest economic shocks, too many Londoners were already finding it impossible to keep their heads above water.
“We have some of the most deprived communities in the country living here in our city.
“And so, to overlook London for investment – and exclude our city from various funding pots as this Government has already done – is completely indefensible.
“Help for our communities should be based on need, not geography.
“A child born into poverty in Lewisham or Newham is blighted by deprivation and inequality in much the same way as a child born into similar circumstances in Leeds or Newcastle.”
The Government’s announcement last week of a windfall levy on energy companies was welcomed by the Mayor who had repeatedly called for such a measure. Sadiq now wants to see ministers take bolder steps including scrapping the benefit cap, devolving powers to freeze private rents in London, reversing the damaging cuts to Universal Credit and increasing benefits in line with inflation.
The Mayor will also highlight the successful launch last week of the Elizabeth Line and hit back at the implication from senior politicians that investment in London harms the prospects of other regions:
“More than 60 per cent of contracts for the Elizabeth line were awarded to firms outside London.
“Tens of thousands of jobs have been created across the country because of the project.
“And it's estimated that it will add up to £42 billion to the UK economy as a whole.
“This isn’t a case of London monopolising investment and resources.
“This is an example of levelling-up in action – a mammoth infrastructure project that supports growth, employment and supply chains the length and breadth of our great United Kingdom.
“The trains were built in Derby. The station doors manufactured in Cheshire.
“And the signage made on the Isle of Wight using steel from Dorset.”
The Mayor acknowledges that it will take collective action from Londoners of all political allegiances to ensure the capital does not become a scapegoat for ministerial inaction. Sadiq will close his speech with this call to action: “Help me to lobby for the devolution of powers and resources that would allow us to unlock London’s full potential.
“Help me to get the message out there that the best way to level up the UK is not to level down London.
“And help me to persuade a sceptical public and Parliament that London is an ally, not an adversary, of our great towns, cities and regions.
“You know – and I know – that building a better London – one that is fairer, safer, greener, more prosperous and more affordable – is going to be key to building a better Britain.” Photo by Fred Romero, Wikimedia commons.