London’s future will be determined by choices, not rhetoric |
2026 will be the year the City moves from post-Brexit design to delivery, says Chris Hayward
As the new year begins, London’s position as a leading global financial centre is often framed in binary terms: rise or decline. That is no bad thing. Competition sharpens performance, and financial centres that assume their leading position rarely endure. But scrutiny should be grounded in evidence.
The facts are straightforward. By international standards, London remains a leading financial centre. Alongside this, we are one of the safest major global cities, with crime rates well below many international peers. The City of London Police plays a crucial role in achieving this status, which is important for the UK’s prosperity and economic security. The City Police is also the designated National Lead Force for fraud, with – uniquely – capabilities dealing with the entirety of the problem, from reporting, through investigation, to disruption and victim care. This does not exist anywhere else in the ‘system’.
London is rich in diversity. This is not a weakness but a source of strength – evident in our workforce, schools, cultural life and entrepreneurial dynamism. Beyond financial services, the capital continues to thrive, with a vibrant technology and innovation ecosystem that attracts talent and capital from around the world.
Policy direction is........