Wednesday 14 July 2021

A new All-Party Parliamentary Group has been established, to bring together parliamentarians and London business, to promote London’s role in the global economy, and the benefit that brings to the wider UK.

The ‘APPG for London as a Global City’ will be chaired by Gareth Bacon MP, will include a number of the capital’s MPs as Officers, with London Chamber of Commerce and Industry providing the secretariat.

The group’s programme of work and events will relate to the likes of: threats to London’s global status, making the case for investing in its continued success, the capital’s role in delivering the ‘Global Britain’ ambitions, and the significance of London’s global footprint in helping to ‘level-up’ regions of the UK.

APPG Chair, Gareth Bacon, MP for Orpington, said: "London is the powerhouse of the UK's economy, which in every past recession has led Britain back to prosperity. If we are going to recover from the pandemic and level up the entire country, we need to relight the city's economic engines and grasp new opportunities worldwide.

"That's why we are setting up a new group in Parliament to bring the capital's politicians and businesses together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing London. Our goal is simple: to find new ways to boost international investment, trade and business in our city to rebuild our economy and create jobs.”

Richard Burge, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “With the UK economy set to fully reopen thanks to the success of the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme, and that recovery from the pandemic coinciding with a reset of the UK’s international trading relationships, there’s no more vital time in living memory to ensure that London is as globally competitive as possible.

I’m pleased that LCCI is able to play a role in supporting these important discussions.”

The inaugural meeting will take place virtually on Thursday 15 July.

ENDS.

For further information about the APPG for London as a Global City, contact:

Esenam Agubretu, Parliamentary and Regulatory Affairs Manager, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on 0207 203 1883, or email eagubretu@londonchamber.co.uk

For media interview:

Steven Reilly-Hii, Senior Media Relations Manager, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on 0207 203 1897, or email press@londonchamber.co.uk