‘It’s Time To Return Havering To Essex’.

“Havering is Essex – and always has been!” -Andrew Rosindell MP reignites fiery campaign in Parliament to reclaim Havering’s historic roots. Find out why he says “Enough is enough!”

Yesterday, Wednesday 7 May – Andrew Rosindell the Member of Parliament for Romford has renewed his long-standing campaign to restore Havering’s rightful place within the historic County of Essex during an impassioned speech in the House of Commons.

In an adjournment debate titled “Havering Borough and Essex Devolution”, the Romford MP called on the Government to open formal discussions on realigning Havering with Essex as part of the wider devolution process now underway in Greater Essex.

 Representing Romford for nearly a quarter of a century, Mr Rosindell made a heartfelt case grounded in his lifelong local ties and decades of consistent campaigning. “Essex is my county,” he declared, detailing his deep personal, cultural and civic connections to Romford and its Essex heritage.

 Mr Rosindell criticised the 1963 London Government Act for stripping Havering of its Essex identity, calling the decision “lazy in its construction” and historically ignorant. He argued that the inclusion of Havering within Greater London has led to confusion, marginalisation, and the loss of democratic accountability.

 “Romford is geographically Essex, we are historically Essex, we are culturally Essex and our social, sporting and commercial connections have always looked towards Essex,” said Mr Rosindell. “It is high time that [Havering’s] voices were listened to and this opportunity seized to shape Havering and Essex for the better.”

 The MP highlighted a range of grievances that have arisen from Havering’s inclusion in the Greater London Authority (GLA), including costly GLA precepts, remote mayoral governance, and overstretched public services – particularly in policing, where Mr Rosindell noted that “we barely see a policeman,” despite significant financial contributions.

 He also dismissed the idea that the Freedom Pass and other TfL services should prevent a governance review, emphasising that Havering pays into these schemes and that many areas beyond London’s boundary also benefit from TfL-operated services.

 Mr Rosindell urged the Government to begin a “meaningful conversation” with Havering residents about potential realignment with Greater Essex, suggesting collaboration with neighbouring Essex authorities such as Brentwood and Epping Forest, both of which share social and transport links with Havering.

 “If the government truly believes in genuine devolution, then I hope the Minister will agree that local people should determine what is best for them,” he said. “It is high time that their voices were listened to and this opportunity seized to shape Havering and Essex for the better.”

 The speech concluded with a stark warning against potential mergers with inner London boroughs in future local government reorganisations, such as a merger between Havering, Barking and Dagenham and Redbridge. “This is not something my constituents or I would support… We in Havering are a town and country borough, with an Essex heritage and a special character that local people cherish and will fight to retain..”

 Yesterday’s adjournment debate marks a pivotal moment in Mr Rosindell’s long campaign to reconnect Havering with its historic county, as the national conversation around devolution and governance gathers pace.

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.