Brexit

Sakina Sheikh AM proposed, and Marina Ahmad AM seconded, the following motion:

“This Assembly notes that Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic coinciding has led to an almost perfect storm in London. The Assembly welcomes the Mayor’s Recovery Plan for the city but acknowledges that this can only work within the framework of Government support and policies.

This Assembly puts on record its concern of the impact of Brexit particularly with regards to the skills gap and reports of deportations despite having applied for settled status. Of particular concern is the impact of the pandemic and Brexit on food supplies in the capital as there is a shortage of HGV drivers. This Assembly notes that this could lead to short term solutions such as bringing in the Army and bin lorry drivers to fill the gap.

This Assembly calls on the Mayor to make further representations to the Home Office to protect EU Londoners who are threatened with deportation despite having applied for settled status.

In addition, this Assembly calls on the Chair of the Assembly to write to the Home Secretary, The Rt Hon Priti Patel MP to seek assurances that those EU Londoners that have applied for EU Settled Status, will not be deported.

Furthermore, this Assembly calls on the Mayor, along with the Government, to look at a permanent solution to ensuring London maintains its food supply and trains the necessary number of HGV drivers to support this.”

Following debate and upon being put to the vote, the motion in the name of Sakina Sheikh AM was agreed, with 15 votes being cast in favour and 8 votes being cast against.