Remembrance Sunday 2014: The City will never forget those who fought for our liberties Every year, the pageantry and fun of the Lord Mayor’s Show is followed by a more solemn occasion, one that is of great significance to each new lord mayor: Remembrance Sunday. The City’s link with the military is ancient and rich, with every Lord Mayor’s Show being honoured by the participation of some of the [...]
If London didn’t have a lord mayor, it would be in our interests to invent one – City Matters What is the role of the lord mayor in the twenty-first century?” It is a common question that has been posed to me and my recent predecessors countless times. The role has come a long way since the era of four-time incumbent Richard Whittington, immortalised in pantomime. Some parts have remained the same – [...]
London’s philanthropists recognise the long-term value they can generate Lord mayors have been involved in philanthropy for many centuries, and my predecessors founded some of the greatest charitable ventures existing today – from schools and hospitals to water conservation and sanitation. They knew, as we do, that the sucesss of London and the UK depends on the strength and sustainability of our communities and [...]
After the referendum results the Scots will continue to thrive – with the UK’s stability behind them – City Matters September 21, 2014 As the second Scottish lord mayor of London in as many years, the referendum debate has had particular poignancy for me. I understand the desire by some in Scotland to “go their own way” as an independent country, but I am glad that the majority of Scots have chosen to remain in the United Kingdom. [...]
City Matters: How British businesses are building a better world in Africa today September 7, 2014 This week, I am on another of my overseas visits, this time to South and East Africa. I have worked in Africa throughout my professional career, and it is a continent close to my heart. So this visit is particularly exciting for me. Over the last few years, the narrative surrounding the “rise of Africa” [...]
City Matters: Expanding trade links with international markets is top of the agenda August 17, 2014 The City can feel empty at this time of the year, with many Londoners heading off on holiday. But as lord mayor, August is the one month that I’m not travelling to business centres around the world. As an ambassador for the UK’s financial and professional services community, every lord mayor spends around 100 days [...]
The City will never forget the lessons and sacrifices of the First World War August 3, 2014 Today marks the 100th anniversary of Britain entering World War One. At a time when geopolitical flashpoints in the Middle East, eastern Europe and elsewhere are in the news, this seems like an apt moment to reflect on the lessons of the past. The Great War resulted in the tragic deaths of an estimated 17m [...]
City Matters: The City doesn’t exist in a vacuum – its cultural connections span the globe July 21, 2014 Throughout the past month, visitors to the City’s Paternoster Square might have been surprised by the sight of a giant bowler hat sitting proudly in place. This eye-catching venue has played host to a huge range of world class music – from cabaret to ballet to a performance by the Electric Swing Circus – [...]
City Matters: City Giving: Why you don’t need to be rich to be involved in philanthropy July 6, 2014 IN A slight diversion from my usual working day, I will be spending a good portion of this Friday judging cupcakes. Why? For the first ever City’s Giving Day. This inaugural event will showcase a whole spectrum of opportunities to get involved in giving – in addition to cupcake competitions and sponsored swims. The philanthropic [...]
