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Mayor to visit Brussels and Paris for security and Brexit talks

27 March

Today I’m travelling to Brussels and Paris to hold high-level talks on security cooperation with leaders and officials.

Ahead of Article 50, which is set to be triggered on Wednesday, I’ll also be making the case that London remains open to business, investment, talent and ideas.

Security

Both Brussels and Paris have, of course, been the victim of recent terror atrocities. In the wake of the horrific attack in Westminster last week it will be an opportunity to learn from each other and to show solidarity in the face of this evil assault on our shared values and way of life.

In Brussels tonight I’ll meet Sir Julian King, Britain’s EU commissioner, who holds the commission’s security portfolio. Tomorrow in Paris, I’ll hold talks with Matthias Fekl, France’s Interior Minister, who has responsibility for security.

Brexit and Article 50

On Wednesday Theresa May is set to trigger Article 50, beginning the formal process of Britain leaving the EU.

Later today I’ll meet with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, and tomorrow I’ll be holding talks with several more senior representatives of the EU including the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, and the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker.

I’ll also be delivering the keynote speech to the ‘New European Order’ conference, organised by Politico, which will be attended by political and business representatives. The speech will be livestreamed tomorrow morning from 7:00am.

I’ll post updates throughout the trip to keep Londoners informed of the work I’m doing to keep London safe and make sure we get the best possible deal out of Brexit.

#LondonIsOpen

Mayor meets EU Security Commissioner Sir Julian King in Brussels

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Mayor's gives keynote speech in Brussels ahead of Article 50

This morning I delivered a keynote speech in Brussels to European politicians and business leaders. With Article 50 due to be triggered tomorrow - beginning the process of Britain leaving the EU - my message was clear: it’s not in the EU’s interests to punish Britain through Brexit negotiations.

The truth is that London will always remain a key partner to the EU, and a friend to European nations, and this will be the truth long after Brexit is resolved.

So let’s approach Brexit in the right spirit: with confidence, and with the goal of ensuring prosperity and security for all Europeans.

There’s no need – as some have suggested - for the EU to send a message – or to instil fear – by punishing the UK. Because a proud, optimistic and confident institution like the EU does not secure its future through fear.

A bad Brexit deal for Britain will be a bad deal for the EU. It will cut Europe off from its only truly global financial centre and risk businesses leaving Europe altogether to head for New York, Singapore or Hong Kong. This is a lose-lose situation for jobs, growth and living standards across the EU.

Britain has work to do here as well. That’s why I’m calling on the Prime Minister, Theresa May, to give an immediate cast-iron guarantee to EU nationals that they can stay in the UK after Brexit. EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in the EU should not be used as bargaining chips in Brexit negotiations.

London will always remain open to Europe and the EU. That’s what #LondonIsOpen means: we are welcoming, united, outward-looking and open to talent, ideas and business.

At this turning point in European history it’s time for us to be audacious and bold with our approach to Brexit. That means putting aside the animosity, differences and anger that many expect, and working together to find a solution that brings continued fortune and prosperity to us all.

#LondonIsOpen

Mayor meets important figures in Europe

29 March - Mayor meets leaders and announces air quality plans

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