This week, the Court of Common Council of the City of London convened to debate and Bill which would enable the Freedom of the City of London to be removed from individuals for the first time.
We approved an Act of Common Council, which is now law, and follows a detailed legal review which concluded that there was previously no effective lawful mechanism to do so.
Under the new process, each case would be considered on its individual circumstances and in accordance with the law. The person concerned would be informed and given opportunities to make written representations before a final decision is taken.
In May, the Court instructed City Corporation officers to “commence such proceedings as are necessary to enable it to lawfully remove the Freedom of the City from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor”. The newly established process will now be undertaken in relation to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s Freedom. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor inherited the Freedom in 2012 by virtue of patrimony, as the child of a Freeman.
One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.
As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also inherited via patrimony or offered by the City Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
As part of this debate, I have asked the Chairman of Policy and Resources to bring forward a report which outlines the vetting process for every individual applying for the Freedom of the City of London, to ensure that the highest standards continue to be upheld in the years to come. I am grateful for his undertaking to do so.