Khan calls for greater devolution of power for London

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called for greater devolution of powers to London in order to protect ‘jobs, wealth and prosperity’, in the wake of Brexit.

At a London devolution summit, Khan warned that the London government needed more autonomy in order to protect the capital’s residents from any potential economic fallout of leaving the EU.

He said: “This is all about protecting Londoners' jobs, wealth and prosperity and providing an extra incentive for economic growth. Now is the time for us to raise our ambition and unite as a city to call for greater autonomy for Londoners.”

Colin Stanbridge, the chief executive of the London chamber of commerce and industry, said: “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. 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.

Councillor Claire Kober, chair of London Councils, welcomed the Mayor’s comments: “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.

“Bringing London together at this time is essential to solve the problems that concern Londoners the most.”