An MP who has expressed his desire to become Mayor of London spoke about the needs of the capital in Parliament.
Gareth Thomas was re-elected as the MP for Harrow West earlier this month for his fifth term, and has since said he would like to be selected as the Labour Party candidate for Mayor of London.
Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday during the Debate on the Address – the first parliamentary debate following the Queen’s Speech - he highlighted the need for the devolution of powers to London bodies.
He said: “We have traditionally seen the Union as consisting of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. It is time that we recognised that London is a very specific part of that union.
“I believe strongly that London must be part of that journey, that it must have its own compass, and that Londoners’ voices must be heard.
“I share the view that London’s property taxes should be devolved to London’s government… a first step towards what should be a radical devolution package for London.”
The MP added that London makes proportionally bigger contributions to the UK’s economy than any other UK region, and he believes that Londoners need a better quality of life in the face of rising rent and house prices.
He also spoke about cuts to public services, adding: “London did not vote for austerity on the scale we can expect. London did not vote for cuts in the NHS.
“London did not vote for cuts—to our police, our schools or the services our councils provide—on the scale that is set to befall our great city.
“I gently say again to the House that London deserves better.”
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