Andrew Dismore

At today’s London Assembly budget Mayor’s Question Time meeting, Labour Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore AM challenged Mayor Johnson over his decision to support British withdrawal from the EU in the forthcoming referendum. Videos: https://vimeo.com/156269274; https://vimeo.com/156266041

In the debate after question time, Mr Dismore also spoke in favour of the successful motion to support the UK’s continued EU membership. Debate speech video https://vimeo.com/156265894

In a heated exchange with the Mayor, Mr Dismore reminded him of the lessons of history, referring amongst others to the opinions of Sir Winston Churchill who was documented on many occasions arguing that Britain should play her full part as a member of the European family.

After Question Time and the debate , Mr Dismore said:

‘It is clear that this is all as much about the future of who leads the Conservative Party and Boris Johnson’s carer as it is about our future in or out of Europe. After so much dithering, Boris Johnson now sees it as in his interests to join the Brexit campaign. He is playing the role of John Bull, but instead of a bulldog, he has taken a Trojan Horse containing his overblown political ambitions to the walls of Downing Street.’

‘In 1975, I voted ‘no’. Now, time and the world have moved on. When I was an MP as a believer in democracy, I rebelled and voted to support an ‘in/out’ referendum, because I believe that when the British people are in possession of the facts, they will vote, as I will, to stay in. Despite all its flaws, I will vote to stay in, as I believe Britain is stronger and more successful in Europe than she could ever be, out.

‘The London   elections in May will be an early opportunity to test the views of Londoners, as with Labour’s Sadiq Khan supporting continued membership and the Conservative Mayoral candidate backing Brexit, there will be a clear choice.

‘My opponent for the Barnet and Camden London Assembly seat has yet to say where he stands. It is time he did so.’

Note for editors

The full text of the Assembly Motion is:

This Assembly notes the reforms negotiated by the Prime Minister as part of his drive for Britain to remain in a reformed European Union. This Assembly welcomes the Prime Minister’s decision to campaign to remain in the EU. We believe that both London and the UK are better off in the EU.

The Assembly notes the following benefits to London of EU membership:

Economic Prosperity: In 2014 London exported £12.3 billion of goods to the EU (nearly 43% of all London’s exports of goods) in the same year we imported £27.6 billion of products from the EU (40.4% of all the capitals imported goods). Meanwhile analysis conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) for London First says that EU membership could add £13.9bn to London’s Economy by 2030 providing a “permanent boost” to the capital’s economy.

London and the EU are economically intertwined. Putting up a barrier between us and the world’s biggest free market would be financially devastating.

Jobs and Employment: 542,000 jobs in London were associated with the EU in 2011^[5]. Whilst these jobs would not be guaranteed to go post-Brexit, they would be far less secure if our major trading partner was less favourably accessible. HSBC alone have warned that around 1,000 jobs would move over the Channel if Britain were to exit the EU. We must also recognise the improved rights and protections that EU membership has given British workers, from maternity and paternity leave to paid holidays, protections for agency workers and laws against discrimination.

Environment: Tackling and adapting to climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing London this century. It’s only through working with our European partners that we can ever hope to bring down carbon emissions and create a more sustainable way of living. European directives have driven progress in tackling some of London’s biggest environmental challenge from toxic air, to waste and recycling and combating climate change.

Safety and Security:  The Home Secretary, Theresa May, has stated that the European Union is vital in the fight against international terrorism and that “jihadists threatening Britain cannot be defeated by acting in isolation”.

Britain’s membership means working in partnership with other EU nations, gathering and sharing intelligence that assists with identifying and preventing terrorist threats.  Andrew Park (head of MI5) stated that MI5 and its international partners had thwarted 6 terrorist threats in the UK and several plots overseas. Without this international collaboration and partnership Britain leaves itself vulnerable at a time of significant threats to its safety.

Our membership of the European Arrest Warrant gives Britain an extra layer of security for our citizens. The loss of the EAW would be a significant blow to the scope and capability of the Criminal Justice System.

 

While this Assembly believes that the EU needs reform and improvement, a blanket exit isn’t the answer for London or for Britain. In terms of security, environment, finance and economy we are inextricably intertwined with our neighbours.  To get the best deal for London we need to be at the table.