Brexit voters want new mayor
Petition to remove Khan from post signed by thousands of people
A PETITION to remove Sadiq Khan as Mayor of London has been signed by thousands as Brexit voters in the capital push for Article 50 to be triggered.
A total of 44,493 signatures are on the petition, which argues against London having ties with the European Union when ‘the country voted out’.
Matthew Lee, from Cumbria, who set up the petition, said London is the capital of the country and should back a hard Brexit, unlike the mayor who wants to negotiate with the EU and create exceptions for the city.
He wrote: “Remain supporters are trying to create civil unrest in the UK and by asking for London to be an independent state, it shows the lack of understanding of why we have a north and south divide here in the UK.
“London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and not the European Union and therefore Sadiq Khan needs to be removed as Mayor of London.
“He said it was ‘crucial that London has a voice at the table during those renegotiations’, then so should the rest of the cities across the United Kingdom.”
The petition, which began several months ago, has re- emerged as MPs voted on triggering Article 50 on Wednesday February 1, the first process.
West London MPs voted both for and against triggering Article 50, although votes swayed towards against due to London voting overwhelmingly to remain.
Although Sadiq Khan actively campaigned alongside Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn in the run up to the EU Referendum, he has since said London must focus on getting the best deal for itself and for the country’s economy.
One proposal which has already been discussed in City Hall is a London-only visa for migrants, although the logistics are yet to be debated.
In response to the petition a statement from City Hall said: “Sadiq campaigned for Britain to remain in the European Union but respects the democratic will of the people.
It went on to say: “He is determined to secure the best possible deal for London from the Brexit negotiations – because when London flourishes, so does the rest of the country.”
Although the Mayor openly campaigned to remain part of the EU, he has said the city must look forward and accept the vote.