It was fantastic to see so many Londoners, and millions of people from around the world, celebrating the coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla over what was a truly remarkable bank holiday weekend. Visitors came from far and wide to our great city, and London put on such an incredible spectacle.
I was really lucky to be able to join constituents at 11 events and street parties across Barnet & Camden. In Camden, residents raised a rousing toast to our new monarch at the Oakley Square Coronation Party, and it was a real pleasure to join the buzzing event put on by the Kentish Town Community Centre. The Hex Community Choir put on a wonderful performance in Kentish Town and it was so good to see such a large turnout.
I also joined colleagues at a special multi-faith City Hall event to mark the momentous day. The community spirit at these events was a joy to behold. Thank you to the London Fire Brigade (LFB), Metropolitan Police, NHS staff, Transport for London, council workers and the legion of volunteers who kept us safe, and able to get around, throughout this historic weekend. And a huge thank you to those who helped clean up after all the partying!
London is one of the most diverse places in the world, and all the better for it. Our city allows people of all backgrounds to live, work and thrive. The Illegal Migration Bill and its plan to detain and send migrants fleeing war, famine and conflict to Rwanda jeopardises that. It is telling that the Archbishop of Canterbury has spoken out against the bill, calling it ‘morally unacceptable’ and stating that it will ‘damage the UK’s interests and reputation at home and abroad’. I oppose this dangerous and divisive legislation and will lobby against it on behalf of constituents.
After all the excitement of the Coronation, it is straight back to work at City Hall. Following the first meeting of the new London Assembly year, I was proud to be elected to once again as chair of Fire, Resilience & Emergency Planning. Key issues affecting Londoners that the London Assembly will investigate include the ongoing unsustainable cost of living, the housing crisis, working to ensure we have an effective transport system, and the cultural and structural issues facing the Met Police, and importantly for me, the LFB.
It will be a busy year ahead at City Hall as we approach the 2024 London elections. I will continue to stand up for my constituents, make sure the Mayor is making the right decisions for all Londoners and work to ensure London remains the open, welcoming and accepting city it is today.
Anne Clarke is the Labour London Assembly member for Barnet and Camden.
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