Mayor Sadiq Khan, Keir Starmer MP, and My Nametags CEO Lars B Andersen
Mayor Sadiq Khan, Keir Starmer MP, and My Nametags CEO Lars B Andersen

Mayor and Shadow Brexit Secretary call on Londoners to reject Tories’ chaotic approach to Brexit, ahead of visit to local business affected by Brexit today.

The Labour Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, Keir Starmer MP, today called on Londoners to use the local elections on May 3rdto reject the Tories’ extreme version of Brexit, and their divisive and negative approach towards immigrants.

The Mayor of London and Shadow Brexit Secretary spoke out ahead of visiting My Nametags, an award-winning small business in Wandsworth affected by Brexit, this morning (Monday).

They called on Londoners to use their vote to reject the Tories’ “extreme and irresponsible” approach to Brexit, which “risks jobs, growth, and prosperity” in London.

Sadiq Khan and Keir Starmer reached out to London’s more than a million European Union citizens — urging them to seize the imminent elections as their first chance to vote on their future within the UK. EU citizens were not eligible to vote in the EU referendum or last year’s General Election.

This is especially important following the Windrush scandal, with people being wrongly targeted for deportation by the Tory Government. Sadiq has said the appalling incident must act as a “wake up call” over the increasingly hostile way the Tory government has been treating immigrants.

The Mayor has warned that if the Tory Government continues down the current path of an extreme Brexit, it could put living standards, our economy, and thousands of jobs at risk.

Sadiq Khan, Keir Starmer
Sadiq Khan, Keir Starmer

Labour Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said:

“We need to send the Tory Government a clear message that we don’t want their extreme and irresponsible approach to Brexit — before it’s too late and the damage is done. An extreme hard Brexit risks jobs, growth, and prosperity in London.

“The choice on the ballot paper is clear: a lost decade of lower employment and growth and a hostile environment for immigrants under the Tories with their extreme Brexit, or voting Labour for a fairer and more prosperous city.

“The future of all Londoners is at stake in these elections — and time is fast running out while the Tories continue to put their narrow party interests first. These elections are Londoners’ last chance to have their say before we leave the EU — and the very first chance for some.

“I say to the 1.1 million EU citizens living in London — our friends, partners, neighbours and colleagues whose futures hang in the balance: You are welcome here — and I urge you to use your vote on 3 May to tell the Tories that we need a Brexit deal that works for all Londoners.”

Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, said:

“The Tories’ chaotic approach to the Brexit negotiations is a significant risk to the jobs and prosperity of ordinary Londoners.

“These local elections are a chance for Londoners to make their voices heard and to reject Theresa May’s reckless and extreme interpretation of Brexit.

“The benefits of the single market and customs union are crucial for London’s businesses and must be hardwired into the final deal. Only Labour can be trusted to protect the capital’s jobs and economy.

“The time has come for Londoners, including the more than a million EU citizens who have made our capital their home, to vote for a better future for the capital — by voting Labour ‪on 3 May.”

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Some 1.1 million EU citizens are eligible to vote in the upcoming local elections in London.

Link to Instagram Link to Twitter Link to YouTube Link to Facebook Link to LinkedIn Link to Snapchat Close Fax Website Location Phone Email Calendar Building Search