This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-38157861
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
London may seek separate Brexit deal, mayor warns | London may seek separate Brexit deal, mayor warns |
(about 2 hours later) | |
London could seek a deal to enable firms in the capital to continue recruiting staff from the European Union after Brexit, mayor Sadiq Khan has told business leaders. | |
In a speech to the Institute of Directors (IoD), he said he will hold a summit in the new year to consider proposals from business groups. | |
The mayor believes London firms must retain access to a skilled workforce. | |
He also accused ministers of not listening to the concerns of the City. | |
Mr Khan told the IoD he has been pressing the government to adopt a negotiating stance which satisfies demands for skilled workers. | |
He said his monthly meetings with ministers have given him the impression that "it doesn't look like they are listening". | |
"London's businesses must retain access to the skilled workforce they need in order to grow - it's absolutely essential to protecting jobs, growth and tax revenues across Britain over the next decade," the mayor said. | |
'Best possible deal' | 'Best possible deal' |
"If the government ignores the needs of business and pushes ahead with a new system that cuts off access to skilled workers, then we will have no choice but to look at a London-specific solution." | "If the government ignores the needs of business and pushes ahead with a new system that cuts off access to skilled workers, then we will have no choice but to look at a London-specific solution." |
Setting out plans for a London summit, he added: "The City of London Corporation and London Chamber of Commerce have already done some crucial early thinking about options - but we need to go further and faster to make the case to the government and develop a new system." | |
About 616,000 people born elsewhere in Europe currently work in London, equivalent to 12.5% of the capital's workforce. | About 616,000 people born elsewhere in Europe currently work in London, equivalent to 12.5% of the capital's workforce. |
They include 88,000 in the construction industry, 49,000 in financial and insurance work and 58,000 in professional, scientific and technical activities. | They include 88,000 in the construction industry, 49,000 in financial and insurance work and 58,000 in professional, scientific and technical activities. |
A spokesperson for the Department for Exiting the European Union said: "We're determined to get the best possible deal for the UK and are preparing for a smooth and orderly exit from the EU. | A spokesperson for the Department for Exiting the European Union said: "We're determined to get the best possible deal for the UK and are preparing for a smooth and orderly exit from the EU. |
"There is no benefit to Britain by providing a running commentary on every twist and turn of these negotiations. | "There is no benefit to Britain by providing a running commentary on every twist and turn of these negotiations. |
"However, it must be a priority to regain control over the number of people coming to the UK from Europe while getting the right deal for trade in goods and services." |