London ‘is always open to Irish trade’

LONDON will remain open to Irish investment whatever the outcome of Brexit, the city’s mayor Sadiq Khan said on a visit to Dublin yesterday.

After a meeting with President Michael D Higgins – and in a move to ease tensions that have arisen as a result of the UK’s EU divorce – Mr Khan tweeted: ‘London is, and always will be, open to our Irish friends.’

Mr Khan arrived in the capital yesterday for a speech at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, in which he called for the retention of close economic ties between the Ireland and the UK.

‘It is vitally important for London and Dublin businesses to know that, whatever the outcome of Brexit, London remains open to Irish investment, trade and talent,’ he tweeted following his appearance.’

During his address, Mr Khan called on Theresa May to revoke Article 50, thereby halting Brexit, if the Withdrawal Agreement is voted down in the House of Commons next week as expected.

‘This move would be the single best way to guarantee that we avoid falling off the cliff edge. The worst possible outcome, which remains a grave concern, is that the UK leaves the EU with no Brexit deal at all.

‘This would not only be devastating for London’s economy, but would actually hurt businesses and economies across Europe, including here in Dublin, and increase the chance of a hard border on the island of Ireland,’ he warned.