London Mayor, Sadiq Khan headed to Brussels on Friday (26) for meeting with senior European Union (EU) politicians including the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier with a message that British capital is still open for ideas, investment, talent, and others.
In addition to Michel Barnier, today the mayor will also meet EU Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis and Maros Sefcovic, and EU commissioner Julian King to discuss the capital’s needs from the Brexit negotiations.
According to a polling data released by the mayor on Friday prior to his departure to EU, almost 70 per cent of Londoners say they are concerned about the impact of skilled workers leaving the capital after Brexit. Also, almost half of Londoners are worried about the impact of EU nationals leaving London when the UK leaves the European Union.
The mayor’s visit is the first of four important trade missions to major EU cities as he bids to protect the capital’s economy from the effects of Brexit and reiterates his message that ‘London Is Open’ to visitors, investment, talent and ideas. Later this year Sadiq will also take his message to Berlin, Paris, and Dublin where he will meet with leading European business leaders and senior politicians.
As part of London is an open message, the mayor has released a new film on Friday that celebrates London’s diversity. The film is available on YouTube.
Sadiq Khan, said, “I’m determined to continue banging the drum for London, getting the message out loud and clear that, despite Brexit, London remains open to the world: open to business, open to ideas, open to investment, open to trade and open to talent”.
“London is a truly global city. Throughout our history, we have always looked outwards and sought to form new partnerships, trading and engaging with the world. These are the values that define our city and they will not change”, he added.
“There’s no doubt we face some challenging and uncertain times ahead for London, but I’m getting the message out to the world that we remain optimistic about our future. Despite Brexit, London will still be one of the most exciting, entrepreneurial, international, innovative, and outward-looking cities in the world - a city still bursting with creativity and opportunity. And a city that is – and will continue to be the best place in the world to start, build or grow a business.”
“This is what the London is Open campaign is all about – it’s about saying loud and clear that London is open: open for business, open for new investment and open for new talent,” mayor concluded.
Bobby Bawa
