Following a year of researching London’s biggest issues and listening to Londoners, Centre for London presents new evidence and thinking on what matters to Londoners, what we value, and where the city’s future should lie.

From food parcels to befriending schemes, the pandemic spurred people to act and help meet the needs of their neighbours and wider communities. We hear from three inspiring local projects that emerged during the crisis about the impact they’re continuing to have on Londoners’ lives. 

The last two years have been hugely traumatic for the city. COVID-19 spread through certain groups of Londoners more than others because of structural inequalities. Now there’s growing evidence that the longer–term effects of the pandemic have worsened some inequalities – notably on income, education, employment, and health. Has this pushed tackling inequality towards the top of the policy agenda and, if so, what is different about now? How can we go about making London a more equal city?  

The transition to net zero is one of the city’s biggest challenges. London will need to embrace new ways of moving goods and people to decarbonise its transport system, from promoting walking and cycling, to electrifying vehicles, and increasing use of the river. Londoners agree that tackling climate change is a priority for the capital, but what does this mean for the way we live?  

Everyone has a right to feel and be safe in our city, regardless of their gender. But too many people feel unsafe when travelling, working, or going out at night in London. Many change their behaviour as a result: avoiding certain places, not exercising outdoors, or using more expensive transport options. This affects women and girls of all ages and can be even worse for women of colour, disabled women and trans women. What would a city that is safe be like, and how do we get there? 

The last five years have been a politically tumultuous period for the whole country, including London. With three prime ministers, two general elections, a Brexit referendum and two heated contests for City Hall, it’s not been short of political events. What lies ahead for the city over the coming 18 months? What should we expect in next year’s local elections? Following a short presentation on London’s political map by Jenna Goldberg, this panel will explore the big issues coming out of the pandemic and discuss how these events might shape votes in the 2022 local elections and beyond.  

What is London’s position in the world post-Brexit and as we emerge from the pandemic? How must the City adapt to remain a world-leading global city? What policies are needed to strengthen our international links and maintain our soft power? 

London has always had a spiky relationship with the rest of the country but over the last five years there’s been a growing sense of resentment directed towards the city from the rest of the country.  How can we reset the narrative on why London matters within the UK’s economy and public life? What role can it play creating a more successful and ‘United’ Kingdom? And what more could London’s leaders and institutions do to strengthen connections between other towns, cities and regions?