The City of London Corporation’s Policy Chair has outlined the capital’s enduring resilience despite the current Covid-19 outbreak.

The authority was scheduled to attend MIPIM 2020 in Cannes this week, but event organisers have rescheduled the property conference for 2-5 June because of concerns regarding the outbreak.

Policy Chair of the City of London Corporation, Catherine McGuinness, will give a speech at the New London Architecture (NLA) ‘London at MIPIM’ event this evening (10 March).

The event will be attended by approximately 350 people from the MIPIM 2020 London delegation, predominantly made up of property, planning and design professionals. The Policy Chair will outline the ways the City Corporation is continuing to play its part in ensuring London maintains its status as a global financial hub.

The Policy Chair’s speech forms part of a line-up of senior speakers, including Jules Pipe (Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration & Skills at the Greater London Authority), Darren Rodwell (Leader at the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham) and Samantha McClary (Editor of the Estates Gazette).

An extract from the Policy Chair’s speech is found below. Please check against delivery.

“It is a shame that we are not able to be out there at MIPIM promoting London to the world. I hope that the rescheduled MIPIM is able to go ahead in June. But obviously, public safety comes first.

“Like other local authorities across London, the City of London Corporation is working with Public Health England to ensure we are doing all we can to combat the spread of Covid-19.

“We all know that London is resilient and will weather the challenge which this virus presents.

“Should London have a presence at a rescheduled MIPIM, I will be reminding people that this is a globally connected city that remains an attractive destination for people from all around the world to live and work.

“London has been an epicentre of global trade and finance for centuries and it remains the crucible of innovation.

“It is home to more bank head offices than any other place in the world. It has more company headquarters than any other city in Europe. And, it has the world’s most attractive business district – according to a survey carried out by EY for Paris La Défense.

“The City Corporation is keen to be seen to play its part in ensuring London maintains its status so we will: promote Culture Mile within the City, support investment across London and lead the way towards carbon zero and a sustainable capital.”

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Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk