MAYOR OF LEWISHAM’S STATEMENT ON EU REFERENDUM
Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock says there are many issues arising from the decision to exit the EU that will need to be worked through in the months and years ahead.
“But I particularly want to address the concerns of the many EU nationals who live and work in Lewisham.
‘I want to begin by echoing something that Sadiq Khan said recently: ‘You make a huge contribution to our city – working hard, paying taxes and contributing to our civic and cultural life. ‘You are welcome here. ‘We value the enormous contribution you make to our city and that will not change as a result of this referendum.’
“I intend to press those who are charged with drafting the new legislation required to ensure that it includes provisions that give you the same rights you enjoy today and will continue to enjoy until Britain finally leaves.
“When we have any relevant information we will endeavour to publish it online.
“I have been disturbed by reports I have heard about racist and xenophobic attacks around the country and closer to home since the vote and want to reassure you that these are being treated with the utmost seriousness by Lewisham council and the police.’
A Lewisham council statement says: “We have been focussing on the implications to people and businesses locally of changes that may flow from the national vote to leave the European Union (EU).
“As everyone will know, there is considerable uncertainty about the timings of any changes.
“We simply don’t know if, when and how Great Britain may leave the EU. “Despite this uncertainty we want to reassure staff and the wider community that we are alert to the potential impact on people’s lives and on businesses locally. “Citizens from EU nation states who live and work here may feel most anxious at this time.
For more information, including how to report a hate crime, please contact the crime, Enforcement & regulation service at [email protected] or by phone on 020 8314 7237 during office hours (9am–5pm). (Source: Lewisham council press release.)
