Southwark Council’s leader, Peter John, has said it would be a “legitimate question” if London were to consider a future independent from the United Kingdom “just like people in Scotland did last year”.
His comments come as the UK voted to leave the European Union with a 52 per cent majority, despite London itself voting to remain with 59.9 per cent.
Southwark heavily backed remain too with 72 per cent in favour of staying.
Councillor Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, said he believes it is “legitimate to ask the question about whether London should also have the opportunity to determine its own future independent from the rest of the UK”.
He said: “Across London, our residents voted overwhelmingly to support Britain’s membership of the European Union. I believe it is legitimate to ask the question about whether London should also have the opportunity to determine its own future independent from the rest of the UK, just like people in Scotland did last year.
“London would be the 15th largest EU state, bigger than Austria, Denmark and Ireland and our values are in line with Europe – outward looking, confident of our place in the world, enriched by our diversity and stronger working together with our friends and neighbours than we are alone.
“These values are right for Southwark and London which is why nearly three quarters of local people voted for them. Whatever happens, we will work hard to ensure that Southwark does not lose the many benefits that the EU brings and we will not let the negativity that has characterised this campaign damage our borough and our future.”
More than 50,000 people have so far signed an online petition for London to be declared independent and join the EU http://chn.ge/28PJ8qb
Oh do shut up you stupid man!
Let’s make it happen (and I say this as a proud Yorkshireman). Leave the rest of England to its splendid isolation.