Andrew Dismore

Question No: 2018/2784

Andrew Dismore

What is your present assessment of the impact of Brexit on London?

Written response from the Mayor

It will depend on the nature of the final Brexit deal, but the independent economic analysis conducted by Cambridge Econometrics found that leaving the EU Single Market and/or Customs Union will have a detrimental effect on London’s growth, jobs and investment. The worst-case ‘no deal’ scenario is predicted to result in 87,000 fewer jobs and the capital’s economic output could be two per cent lower by 2030 than if we had remained in the EU.

I have asked the London Resilience Forum –  the partnership responsible for ensuring London’s preparedness in the event of emergencies – to establish the impact of a no-deal Brexit on critical areas like food supply and transport. A high-level report of their analysis will be published soon.

Question No: 2018/2785

Andrew Dismore

Does Brexit pose a threat to workers’ rights in London and how will you ensure that businesses in London continue to put in place good working practices?

Written response from the Mayor

It will depend on the nature of the final Brexit deal and how the Government responds to the challenges Brexit creates. I will oppose any race to the bottom in terms of taxation, regulation or workers’ rights.

I will soon launch my Good Work Standard; which will set a benchmark of employment practices and encourage and support London’s employers to meet it.

A London.gov.uk webpage is also in development that will signpost Londoners to the most up-to-date and accurate information about their employment rights; and the steps they can take to enforce them.

Question No: 2018/2793

Andrew Dismore

What would the effect of the Migration Advisory Committee recommendations on EU migration be on London’s economy, if implemented?

Written response from the Mayor

Some Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommendations could severely damage London’s economy. Particularly the end of freedom of movement, and the restriction of businesses’ access to lower skilled workers. The MAC has not fully considered the strong contribution of European workers in certain industries, particularly the construction, accommodation and food sectors; where they are more likely to earn less than the £30,000 salary threshold recommended by the MAC.

The MAC’s lack of proposals in some areas are also a cause for concern. For example, how to ensure the post-Brexit immigration system is suitable for self-employed European workers, who play a vital role in some of London’s fastest growing sectors.

Question No: 2018/2794

Andrew Dismore

Research by the IPPR suggest that the recent proposals from the Migration Advisory Committee would have a dramatic impact on the UK’s labour force and on employers in that 70% of potential EU migrants would be excluded. What would the effect of this be on London’s economy?

Written response from the Mayor

While no specific analysis in relation to this piece of work by IPPR has been carried out, as noted in my response to Mayor’s Question 2018/2793, some Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recommendations could severely damage London’s economy. Particularly the end of freedom of movement, and the restriction of businesses’ access to lower skilled workers. The MAC has not fully considered the strong contribution of European workers in certain industries, particularly the construction, accommodation and food sectors; where they are more likely to earn less than the £30,000 salary threshold recommended by the MAC.

The MAC’s lack of proposals in some areas are also a cause for concern. For example, how to ensure the post-Brexit immigration system is suitable for self-employed European workers, who play a vital role in some of London’s fastest growing sectors.

Question No: 2018/2790

Andrew Dismore

What conversations have you had with London airports about the threat to airplanes not being able to fly in the event of a no-deal Brexit? What impact will this have on London’s economy?

Written response from the Mayor

Aviation plays a vital role in ensuring that London is open for business. The unparalleled connectivity that the London airports system offers underpins the city’s economic growth and prosperity. Disruption of international travel would cause great harm to our city and the wider UK economy, potentially affect thousands of jobs and damage London’s thriving tourism industry

It is imperative that every effort is made to ensure that aviation connectivity is ‎not undermined in a post-Brexit scenario. I have previously raised this issue with the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, both in person and in writing.  My officers have discussed the issue with London’s airports, who have also been active in raising this issue in both at the national and international level.

No-one wants to see disruption to flights. It is incumbent on Government to ensure that, working with our international partners, sufficient contingency measures are in place to safeguard our air links in the event of us leaving the European Union.

Brexit and policing

Question No: 2018/2820

Andrew Dismore

How much is being spent by the Met Police on preparing for potential disorder, conducting threat assessments and preparing for all “possible outcomes from Brexit, especially a no-deal Brexit?

Written response from the Mayor

In relation contingency planning and preparation for public order scenarios around Brexit, there are a number of officers conducting work in this area as part of their existing responsibilities. None of these officers are dedicated to Brexit work full-time, therefore the Met are unable to quantify the time spent on this issue.

No overtime or other costs have been incurred at this moment.