The 2017 UK General Election has “moved the ‘Brexit’ goalposts”, Sadiq Khan declares.

Mayor argues that ministers must listen to will of people and work towards a deal that secures our economic stability.

With discussions formally commencing earlier this week in Brussels over the terms of Britain’s exit from the European Union, Khan is calling for the Government to listen to the will of the people.

The Mayor believes that the result of the recent General Election has “moved the goalposts” in terms of negotiating a deal – and that a jobs-first approach, with continued membership of the Single Market, is the only deal that will serve the best interests of London.

The Single Market treats the EU and other members as one bloc where companies can do business on a level playing field. It accounts for 500 million customers and nearly half of all British exports.

The Mayor has also joined business leaders and the Governor of the Bank of England in repeating his call for a transitional agreement to be reached with the EU soon.

Sadiq Khan, said:

“The Prime Minister sought a mandate from the British people for her version of hard ‘Brexit’ but the electorate registered their opposition. It’s time she heeded the message.

The ‘Brexit’ goalposts have been moved. The Government must now listen to the will of the people by putting aside ideology and negotiating a sensible ‘Brexit’ that ensures continuing UK membership of the Single Market.

Single Market Membership is our best chance to protect the ability of London’s tech, pharmaceutical and financial services businesses to continue accessing our single largest export market.

Businesses need certainty to continue to invest, so it make perfect sense for government to negotiate a transitional deal with the EU so we have a fall-back option if, as expected, it is not possible to secure a trade deal during the next two years.

By doing so would we would reduce the real risk of crashing out of the EU and falling back on basic World Trade Organisation rules – creating tariffs on British goods sold in the EU and putting up hugely damaging barriers for services. 

Signalling that Britain aims to stay in the Single Market would also give the many EU citizens who make London their home and contribute to our economy the security that I have previously called on the Government to offer them.”