Greater London Authority Bill

Our debates on the Bill have been extensive. I particularly thank the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, my hon. Friend the Member for Poplar and Canning Town (Jim Fitzpatrick), who has ministerial responsibility for London, for his support in sharing the work throughout the Committee stage and in today’s debate. I also thank colleagues in the Whips Office who have worked so hard, as ever, to ensure the passage of the Bill. I thank the members of the Committee, too. The debates were cheery throughout—although there was rather too much discussion of football, as the hon. Member for Beckenham (Mrs. Lait) and I agreed. The debate was always positive and in the end Londoners will benefit from the fact that the Bill has received such detailed scrutiny throughout its passage. The Bill is important because it will help to ensure London’s continuing success as a world city. That success is important not only for those who live in London, but for the country as a whole. Our capital has grown in strength due to the measures already taken to give it stronger leadership. We have built on the achievements of the Greater London authority and the effective leadership of the Mayor, and the Bill will increase London’s ability to meet and tackle the challenges that might otherwise hold back such a great city. The Bill fulfils the Government’s commitment to Londoners to devolve power from central Government to London on a series of issues to improve the delivery of services. The Bill gives the Mayor a stronger role in the drive to reduce London’s stark health inequalities and improve London’s health. It will give him a stronger environmental role, to meet the climate change challenges that face not just the capital city but the country and the whole world. The Mayor’s work to tackle climate change will put him at the forefront of efforts to reduce the capital’s carbon emissions. The Mayor will have a stronger role in London’s cultural life, too, as we devolve decision-making power and the Government’s responsibilities for the Museum of London.