In spite of the forthcoming withdrawal that the UK will undergo from the European Union, The Mayor of London – Sadiq Kahn – launched a campaign as a way of showing the world that the capital is very much in favor of uniting and doing business with other countries despite the UK’s changing relationships with other countries following the referendum. Kahn campaigned for the UK to remain in the European Union during the referendum and wants unity between Britain and other countries worldwide to remain active. The campaign goes by the hashtag #LondonIsOpen.
The video that was used to launch the campaign depicts shop and business owners in London opening doors to the viewer with a final shot of Kahn opening his own door in a welcoming fashion.
“London is the best city in the world. It is creative, international, entrepreneurial and full of opportunities” he said, implying that the campaign is an effort to maintain a strong grasp on this reputation that London holds and not let it fade due to our country’s withdrawal from the European Union. “We don’t simply tolerate each others’ differences, we celebrate them. Many people from all over the globe live and work here, contributing to every aspect of life in our city.”
The campaign was immediately backed by current Prime Minister Theresa May and former Mayor of London Boris Johnson as well as celebrities such as actor Jude Law, One Direction member Niall Horan and singer Lianne La Havas. Additionally, firms such as Google and Hilton and business leaders like Richard Branson have announced their support for the campaign.
Boris Johnson, speaking in Brussels as Foreign Secretary said “London is perfectly positioned as Europe’s global hub for finance, tech, culture and science” He continued to predict that “Brexit won’t change that, in fact it represents a fantastic opportunity for London and for the UK to trade openly not just with our European friends and partners, but with the world.”
Richard Branson, an entrepreneur who started his colossally successful business – Virgin – in London, said that “LondonIsOpen seeks to send a welcome message to the world”, later stating that “amid extremely worrying reports of rising hate crimes, that’s a message all of us should support”.
The campaign’s promotion will be most prominent at London’s top visitor attractions where 3.8 million people from overseas came to visit in the first three months of the year.