This manifesto sets out a series of policies and measures that the next government and the Mayor of London should adopt to make a success of Brexit for the capital, backed by a new alliance of city leaders.
London has been growing since the early 1990s. The capital’s openness, diversity and economic specialisation have made it one of the world’s leading global cities. But this growth has also brought strains on infrastructure and affordability. Brexit will represent a dramatic change, for London as for the rest of the UK.
This manifesto, drawing on ‘Open City – London After Brexit’, a joint project between Centre for London and the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Bath, identifies the challenges London faces.
Making a success of Brexit
The manifesto argues in the short term, London needs devolved powers to attract and develop the domestic, European and global talent, and the terms of trade that enable prosperity – a better Brexit.
In the longer term, to maintain competitiveness from outside the EU, London needs new powers over taxation to meet its housing and infrastructure needs, and to better manage its property market – a better city.
Powers of regional immigration
The manifesto joins calls for regions to be given the power to manage migration, in line with the needs of urban and rural economies across the UK, placing a premium on developing a generous visa regime for young Europeans.
Highlighting the vital contribution young Europeans make to the London’s economy and soft power, Centre for London proposes three visas: City-Maker visas; Young European visas; and a new post-study visa.
Alliance of City Leaders
The manifesto goes onto recommend that the Mayor of London should join with newly elected metro mayors and other city leaders across the country to form a Convention of City Leaders on Brexit, to lobby for a deal which enables access to EU trade and talent.