Sadiq Khan, the Labour mayor of London, gave a speech this morning at the Times CEO summit. Responding to the petition calling for London to become an independent city state, he said that much as he liked the idea, he did not think it was practical.
But he did want London to have more powers, he said.
In the four days since the referendum, 175,175 Londoners have signed a petition calling for London to become an independent city state.
This petition wasnt started by a politician or pushed by any particular interest group.
It was an organic movement born out of Londoners desire to have more control over their citys future.
Now, as much as I might like the idea of a London city state, Im not seriously talking about independence today.
I am not planning to install border points on the M25!
But on behalf of all Londoners, I am demanding more autonomy for the capital - right now.
More autonomy in order to protect Londons economy from the uncertainty ahead.
More autonomy to protect the businesses from around the world who trade here.
According to his office, Khan wants the devolution of fiscal responsibility including tax raising powers, as well as more control over business and skills, housing and planning, transport, health and policing and criminal justice.