Sadiq Khan welcomes proposals for Slough to join London
Sir Sadiq Khan has said he would be happy to consider plans for Slough to join London. The mayor he was 'not surprised' the Berkshire region was considering becoming a part of the city.
The proposal comes as a result of the Government's Devolution White Paper, which encourages local governments being reorganised into larger unitary authorities to grant more powers to local leaders instead of Westminster. Slough Borough Council noted at a meeting on February 17 that it would consider merging with West London boroughs or being absorbed by the Greater London Authority.
Sir Sadiq told MyLondon: "I'm always happy to speak to those who want to join the people's republic of London. It's really important for us to recognise Greater London has actually grown from London over a period of decades."
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He added: "You look at this great city of ours then go back a thousand years and it was even smaller. That's the story of Greater London. Growth per se is not a problem in terms of population and geography is planning for that growth. I've not spoken to the team at Slough but I'm not surprised they want to join the party."
The comments came as the Mayor and London Councils launched the London Growth Plan at Imperial College London on February 27. The plan has issued a joint call from the bodies on the UK Government for more investment and devolution in an effort to boost local and national growth.
Lambeth Council leader Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils, told MyLondon: "We're always looking to work in partnership. We work with core cities, we work with key cities, we work with the shires at the Local Government Association. We all come together and work together."
She added: "London Councils plays a critical role in that because we represent 9 million people, 32 boroughs and the City of London. We work within London in partnerships. We work at every level of government, regional, national, and we also work with our colleagues across the country."
Have a story you want to share? Email joseph.coughlan@reachplc.com.
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