Sadiq Khan has begun his second term as Mayor of London by announcing the ‘biggest domestic tourism campaign the capital has ever seen’.
Labour incumbent Mr Khan formally signed in for a second term on stage at Shakespeare’s Globe this morning unveiling the £7 million-plus ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign as an immediate priority.
The programme, which has been developed and funded in partnership with the city’s hospitality, culture, and retail industries, is aimed at bringing in a wealth of domestic tourism to help London’s economy get back on its feet as Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
The features will range from celebrations of London’s food offerings, to a variety of new public art installations including a redesign of Transport for London’s iconic ‘Hockney Circus’ roundel in a special artwork from David Hockney.
In summer, the city’s museums, galleries and cultural and grassroots music venues will have extended opening hours, while major creative festivals such as London Fashion Week will return to the capital in autumn.
Labour incumbent Mr Khan formally signed in for a second term on stage at Shakespeare’s Globe this morning unveiling the £7 million-plus ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign as an immediate priority
Labour incumbent Mr Khan is formally signing in for a second term on stage at Shakespeare’s Globe this morning as he unveils the £7 million-plus ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign as an immediate priority
More features of Let’s Do London will be announced as the campaign continues to develop.
Mr Khan, who was re-elected after seeing off Conservative rival Shaun Bailey in last week’s election, stressed that the programme has been developed with Covid safety protocols in mind.
He is urging Londoners to take up the vaccine as soon as they are offered it.
Mr Khan, who was re-elected after seeing off Conservative rival Shaun Bailey in last week’s election, will stress that the programme has been developed with Covid safety protocols in mind
Mr Khan has said he is ‘truly humbled’ to be elected for a second term as Mayor of London.
And he vowed to work to help ‘build bridges’ in a country that remains ‘deeply divided’.
A spokesman for the mayor’s office said: ‘We are working in line with the government roadmap which allows tourism now and a return back to the office in June.’
Mr Khan addressed reporters from the Globe’s stage, where he was joined by award-winning British actor and director Adrian Lester.
‘It is fitting that we’re here at the Globe today … because it is a story of resilience and renewal,’ said the mayor.
‘I am truly humbled by the trust that Londoners have placed in me (and) I promise to do my utmost to repay their trust by working tirelessly.
‘London’s arts and culture is what helps to make this city one of the greatest in the world.
‘It is time to put the dark days of the past behind us … for all those who call this great city home.’
Mr Khan said the election results showed that ‘our country, and even our city, remains deeply divided’.
‘I pledge to build bridges that keep us closer together, rather than the walls that drive us apart,’ he said.
As well as launching Let’s Do London, Mr Khan confirmed getting Londoners back into work as a top priority.
Mr Khan said: ‘Today I am at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe to launch ”Let’s Do London” – the biggest domestic tourism campaign London has ever seen to champion our businesses, cultural institutions and attractions that have suffered so much during the pandemic.
Newly elected for a second term Mayor of London Sadiq Khan during his signing in ceremony at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on London’s Southbank
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks after being re-elected as mayor during his signing in ceremony at the Shakespeare’s Globe in London
‘This is about getting the message out to Londoners and people across the country that our capital stands ready to entertain, inspire and enthral once again.
‘Our new campaign is bringing together many of the capital’s leading organisations and venues to offer an unparalleled experience for anyone visiting the capital throughout the year.
‘With restrictions on international travel likely to continue this year, Londoners and visitors from the UK have a unique opportunity to experience all the capital has to offer without the queues. In doing so you’ll be providing vital support for our world-leading venues as they start to re-open and need our help more than ever.’
He outlined his mission for his second term as ‘creating a fairer, greener and more prosperous city, where everyone gets the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential’.
‘As well as focusing on the urgent task of London’s recovery and investing in jobs and skills, I promise to continue putting everything I have into tackling the long-standing issues that matter most to Londoners, including making our streets safer, building more affordable homes and tackling the twin emergencies of air pollution and climate change.’