The Mayor of London, 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 the 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.
“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 exactly 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.
“Indeed, just to give three examples: the trains were built in
Derby, the station doors manufactured in Cheshire and the signage
made on the Isle of White 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.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
The London Government Dinner takes place at Mansion House on the
evening of Monday 30 May.
