Jo Johnson MP Policy Breakfast

On 9 May, LCCI hosted Jo Johnson MP, Minister for London and Minister for Transport at The Goring, Westminster. Mr Johnson MP was invited to speak to our members on the transport priorities for the capital, as well as wider business issues in his capacity as Minister for London.

Key areas of focus, notably on transport, for LCCI and its members during the event included; Crossrail 2; Heathrow Expansion; HS2; commuter rail and East London River Crossings. On the last point, this event was particularly timely as the decision on the Silvertown Tunnel was expected the day after this event. Furthermore, wider issues such as skills, housing and Brexit were also debated, with Mr Johnson’s Minister for London hat on.

Having your say – Consultation and inquiries

Response to the House of Commons Transport Committee ‘Freight and Brexit’ Inquiry

LCCI in response to this inquiry, placed an emphasis on avoiding additional barriers to trade for London businesses. Post-Brexit, LCCI believes there must be a suitable arrangement in place to regulate Britain’s relationship with the European Union, rather than a fall back on WTO rules. LCCI also pushed for practical solutions to ease friction at our borders and to safeguard our trading relationships in the wake of Brexit.

Silvertown Tunnel

LCCI welcomed news that that Transport for London had been granted a Development Consent Order by the Department for Transport to deliver the Silvertown Tunnel. LCCI recognise that this tunnel, once complete, will alleviate pressure on existing infrastructure, in addition to relieving an already congestion transport system. Importantly, the tunnel also has the potential unlock further housing development.

More fixed river crossing in East London is something that LCCI has longed campaigned for, especially as the city continues to grow, approaching megacity status, with a population of more than 10 million.

London Tomorrow

During the past month, LCCI relaunched its London Tomorrow campaign in association with PwC and supported by London City Airport. London Tomorrow: Towards the Megacity will host a range of public and private discussion platforms in 2018 and 2019 culminating in a public debate on the prospects of ‘London Tomorrow’ on the eve of Brexit. Leading UK polling agency, ComRes has been commissioned to survey public, business and civic leader opinion to inform the discussion, ahead of each event. A page has been published on the website which provides further detail here.

Upcoming Events

We think it’s important that LCCI members have the opportunity to put their views to, and hear directly from, politicians and decision makers.

• On 19 June, LCCI is hosting a policy breakfast with Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford and Eccles and Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
• On 26 June, LCCI will be hosing an event titled: London Business views on Brexit: Marking the referendum’s two-year anniversary.
• On 10 July, LCCI will hosting the next Capital 500 Presentation that will include finding from the second quarter of 2018 while looking at the year ahead.
• On 19 July, LCCI will delivering our London Business 1000 results presentation in partnership with London Councils.

If you would like to register your interest for LCCI policy events and to receive more information, please contact us at policy@londonchamber.co.uk.

For all LCCI events, check out our business event calendar.

As the capital heads towards ‘megacity’ status and Brexit negotiations continue underway, we believe that LCCI’s work representing the views of the capital’s firms to politicians and decision-makers alike is more important than ever