Recession

Marina Ahmad AM moved, and Unmesh Desai AM seconded the following motion:

“The Assembly notes its concern that the UK economy is now in recession having contracted during the final two quarters of 2023.  
 
This highlights the Government’s catastrophic handling of the economy, presiding over the disastrous mini budget, an acute cost of living crisis and rising inequality. 
 
London is feeling the impact of this economic failure, with more than one million Londoners claiming Universal Credit, of which almost half reported experiencing food insecurity, and homelessness, with rough sleeping rising sharply.  

The Government has also overseen an increase in the number of people unable to work due to long-term sickness which has reached a record 2.8m people. With NHS waiting lists also at record highs, the Government must urgently address this crisis so people can get the care they need to return to or stay in work.

The Mayor has stepped up to support low-income Londoners through his Universal Free School Meals programme, his Pension Credit campaign, and his decision to freeze transport fares but too many Londoners are struggling to make ends meet. 
 
The Assembly calls on the Mayor to: 

• Lobby ministers to strengthen workers’ rights for all workers by banning zero-hours contracts, ending fire and rehire, and scrapping qualifying periods for basic rights, which leave working people waiting up to two years for essential protections. 
• Lobby ministers to urgently address NHS waiting lists so that Londoners receive the care they need to stay in work.”

Following debate and upon being put to the vote, the motion was agreed with 13 votes cast in favour and 5 against.