Sadiq Khan will tonight vow to push Theresa May for “creative” solutions to secure Single Market access
London mayor Sadiq Khan will tonight vow to push Theresa May's government for “creative” solutions to secure Single Market access for the UK's financial services sector.
Speaking to an audience of City bigwigs at the annual Lloyd's of London City dinner, Khan is expected to name protecting the financial services sector as the number one priority in Brexit talks.
“Getting simple, easy and comprehensive access to the Single Market for our financial sector is not only central to London’s ongoing status as the world’s leading provider of financial and professional services,” Khan will say.
“It is – by extension – key to our nation’s economic stability and future growth. So the government needs to be creative in its solutions, and ambitious in its negotiating platform.”
“But I’m confident there is a workable deal to be agreed. A unique British deal, that works for London. A deal that will enable London to remain a world-leading city for finance.”
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Lloyd's chairman John Nelson will also address the event, which is expected to be attended by the chairs and chief executives of a cross-section of City firms, including insurance, legal and banking giants.
And Khan will use the occasion to reiterate his calls to slow the declaration of Article 50.
Last month the London mayor said Theresa May should wait until after German and French elections next year to open formal Brexit talks with the EU – despite the indications that May will seek to move more rapidly.
“It would be irresponsible in the extreme to start the 24-month countdown before we have a watertight game-plan,” Khan will say.
“Triggering the start of the clock before we are much clearer on the path ahead, would increase uncertainty, rather than reduce it.”