Close cooperation between Manchester’s politicians is credited with securing a wide-ranging devolution settlement which will see the city gain control over its entire NHS budget.
With last week’s general election delivering a highly regionalised result, including the election of 56 SNP MPs committed to pushing for more powers for Scotland, the Centre for London think tank says London MPs must come together to ensure the capital isn’t disadvantaged by the UK’s “increasingly fragmented” political settlement.
The organisation wants MPs to form a new all-party parliamentary group (APPG) for London. Such groups allow both MPs and Peers to come together to discuss and debate areas of shared concern and put forward suggestions to tackle problems.
In addition to acting as a champion for London, the think tank wants the new London APPG to work with representatives with other cites to make the case for enhanced local powers across England.
Ben Rogers, Director of the Centre for London said: “When MPs work together for the good of their city they can achieve great things – Manchester’s politicians have had a coordinated approach to national politics, and the city is reaping the rewards.”
“The capital is bigger, more politically diverse and the challenge of coordinating its larger number of MPs is far greater.
“But the capital’s MPs must better work together for the good of its people. Creating an all-party group for London is a vital step forward. “
