Pricey EU Londoner,
I’m writing to you in the present day to say thanks. Thanks for every thing you might have accomplished – and proceed to do – for our metropolis.
Seven years in the past in the present day our nation voted to depart the European Union. It was a heart-breaking day for me, and I do know it was for a lot of of you too. There is no such thing as a doubt that within the years since, Brexit has brought about large injury to our metropolis and created a substantial amount of uncertainty for a lot of of you.
However you stayed with us. Regardless of the appalling uncertainty over settled standing, regardless of getting used as bargaining chips within the negotiations and regardless of the anti-migrant rhetoric coming from this Authorities, you saved the religion and continued to make London your house. For that, I’m immensely grateful. You’re a key motive why London is without doubt one of the most dynamic, most profitable and most vibrant cities on earth.
European Londoners are – and can all the time be – our colleagues, neighbours, mates and family members. You belong right here and from our meals and style, to our monetary centre and public providers, your contribution stays pivotal to our metropolis’s success. You’re a core a part of our id, historical past and future, and I’ll all the time get up on your rights. That’s why I’m supporting calls to offer EU Londoners the authorized proper to vote in Normal Elections throughout the UK. You’ll be able to already vote in native and Mayoral elections and it is just proper you get a say in those that resolve the legal guidelines that you just reside beneath.
Regardless of all of the controversies round Brexit we should look forwards, looking for to guard and advance our shared values of openness and internationalism. This consists of persevering with to ask the Authorities for a better relationship with the European Union which permits European Londoners to reside and work throughout our borders – whether or not you’re a musician, small-business proprietor or skilled within the Metropolis.
London’s range is one our enduring strengths. So long as I’m mayor, I’ll do my utmost to make sure we proceed to be a beacon for progressive concepts and liberal values – a spot that’s open to everybody regardless of the color of your pores and skin, the color of your passport or the color of your nationwide flag.
To point out how a lot you imply to us as a metropolis, on the seventh anniversary of the Brexit vote, we shall be lighting up Metropolis Corridor within the EU flag’s iconic blue and yellow colors tonight.
Sadiq Khan
Londoner and proud European
Author: ” — www.london.gov.uk ”