Romford MP Tables Amendments To Restore Havering’s Essex Identity.

“Being tied to the priorities of so-called ‘Greater London’ has resulted in high-density development we do not want, ULEZ expansion we objected to, and the destruction of local public services that we desperately need and that we already pay for! Havering residents are deeply unhappy with the power that ‘City Hall’ and the Mayor of London exercise over us .”

Andrew Rosindell, the Member of Parliament for Romford, has announced that he has tabled two significant amendments to the English Devolution and Community Engagement Bill, aimed at restoring historic identity and giving local people a greater say over their future

“I am pleased to announce that I have tabled two significant amendments to the English Devolution and Community Engagement Bill which, if adopted, will strengthen our local identity and give residents of Romford and the whole of Havering, a greater say over their future,” said Mr Rosindell.

The first amendment seeks to ensure that the ceremonial county of Essex once again reflects its historic boundaries. Mr Rosindell explained:

“For too long, the proud heritage of Essex has been diluted by arbitrary changes that fail to recognise the identity of Romford, Hornchurch, and neighbouring towns, villages, and communities east of the River Lea. This amendment will restore the alignment between ceremonial and historic Essex, preserving the traditions and sense of place that matter so deeply to local people.”

The second amendment proposes a referendum to determine whether Havering should remain under the Greater London Authority or join a Greater Essex Combined County Authority. Mr Rosindell stated:

“This decision should rest with local people, not with central planners in Whitehall. Why should we be grouped with Kingston, Barnet, and Croydon when our cultural, economic, and community ties are far stronger with Chelmsford, Brentwood, Basildon, and Southend?”

Highlighting the impact of current arrangements, Mr Rosindell added:

“Being tied to the priorities of so-called ‘Greater London’ has resulted in high-density development we do not want, ULEZ expansion we objected to, and the destruction of local public services that we desperately need and that we already pay for! Havering residents are deeply unhappy with the power that ‘City Hall’ and the Mayor of London exercise over us and the hundreds of millions of pounds it costs our borough by being locked into this regional governmental arrangement, imposed on Havering by the Blair government, over twenty-five years ago.”

Mr Rosindell reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on election pledges:

“I promised to bring forward these amendments during the General Election, and the response from residents was overwhelmingly positive. Just as I promised to bring forward a Bill to guarantee freedom of travel for pensioners on TfL and regional transport services whatever our local and regional government status. Thus, my ‘Transport for London (Extension of Concessions) Bill’ currently before the House, would protect the Freedom Pass and other travel concessions.”

Concluding, Mr Rosindell said:

“I am fulfilling my election pledges with the hope that, if successful, local people will have a real voice in the decisions that shape their identity and future.”

To read the statement in full, click here.

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