Romford's Push for 'Hexit': A Local Referendum to Leave Greater London

Andrew Rosindell, a Conservative MP, has proposed a referendum for Romford residents to decide whether to leave Greater London and rejoin Essex. This initiative, presented at a Reform UK rally, has garnered significant attention, reflecting a desire among some constituents to reclaim local governance and identity. Rosindell argues that decisions affecting Romford are made by a Greater London Authority that does not represent the community's interests.

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Romford was part of Essex until 1965, and the historical connection remains a point of contention. The borough's demographics and local culture, which differ significantly from other parts of London, contribute to the sentiment that Romford aligns more closely with Essex.

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Residents express mixed feelings about the potential separation from London. Colin, a long-time resident, supports the idea if it means retaining benefits like the Freedom Pass while escaping the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) restrictions. Conversely, Linda, another local, criticizes the current state of the market and blames London governance for the decline, expressing a desire to return to Essex.

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However, not all residents are in favor of leaving London. Mark, a worker at Hope Cafe, argues that Romford benefits from its London status and likens the movement to the populism seen during the Brexit referendum. Robert Wilkinson, a pro-Brexit resident, also opposes the idea, stating that it lacks practical sense and that London will always influence local affairs.

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Ediz Sahin, a local business manager, believes that leaving London could improve business conditions by reducing taxes. Rosindell supports this view, suggesting that a unitary authority could allow Havering to purchase only the services it needs, thereby reducing financial burdens associated with funding inner London services.

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Keith Darvill, a Labour councillor, has dismissed the idea of leaving London as "nonsense," emphasizing the need for legislative changes and cooperation among London boroughs to maintain services like the Freedom Pass. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, reiterated the benefits of remaining part of London, highlighting free travel for seniors and the financial support for local schools.

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Critics of the 'Hexit' proposal argue that the idea is impractical and lacks a clear plan for implementation. Professor Colin Copus noted that local government trends typically favor consolidation rather than fragmentation, questioning the viability of such a move.

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The proposal for a referendum will require significant political support and legislative changes, making its future uncertain. As discussions continue, the community remains divided on the implications of potentially severing ties with Greater London.

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• “You will know in your heart that Romford is Essex” — Andrew Rosindell, MP

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• “The difference is the people, the shops, I mean, the towns are just shutting down.” — Linda, Resident

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• “Hope Cafe worker Mark said: “I hope we don’t leave London because we get loads out of it.” — Mark, Cafe Worker

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• “This idea of having a referendum to separate ourselves from London, for all intents and purposes doesn’t make much sense to me,” — Robert Wilkinson, Resident

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• “ A spokesperson for the Mayor of London, said: “Sadiq was re-elected for a historic third term as Mayor for all Londoners and has vowed to work tirelessly to deliver for each and every one of London’s boroughs, including Havering.” — Spokesperson for the Mayor of London

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• “We’ve been conned by this sort of technocratic idea that bigger is always better, more efficient, more effective, and cheaper and it simply isn’t,” — Professor Colin Copus, Local Politics Expert

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