We must counter disinformation about ‘lawless’ London to make the city more globally competitive, says DAME SUSAN LANGLEY

Around the world, cities and nations are competing harder than ever for capital, talent, innovation and influence. 

They are investing heavily in their international reputations. They are promoting their strengths relentlessly. They are telling their stories with confidence, clarity and conviction. We must do the same.

When we compete for investment in global markets, we are also competing in a global battle of perception, confidence and economic narratives. 

The UK has been a leading hub for international capital for centuries, but we’d be complacent to think investment will keep finding its way to our shores without actively encouraging it. Capital comes where it feels welcome and stays where it is predictable.

If we allow a completely distorted picture of a lawless and crime-ridden London to go on, we risk threatening that investment. 

Recent analysis by the Mayor of London’s team shows negative stories about the capital have risen by as much as 200 per cent over the past two years.

These falsehoods may start online, but they don’t stay online. They seep into boardrooms. When I travel the world representing UK financial services, I am increasingly confronted with stories and statistics that are simply not true.

This matters if we want the Nvidias and OpenAIs of tomorrow to choose London and the UK. We need to tell our own story. No spin, just setting the record straight and being proud of our unique strengths.

The truth is that the UK is far too modest about its own achievements. 

We are often the first to talk ourselves down and the last to celebrate what we do well. 

Self-deprecation may be part of the British psyche, but in a world of intensifying global competition, it is no longer sustainable.

That is why the City is acting this week. Team UK, delivered in partnership with City trade associations including UK Finance, brings together a coalition of more than 200 influential advocates from FTSE companies, global partners, and leading financial services firms such as Barclays and Revolut. 

Together, they are promoting a clear, confident, evidence-based narrative about the UK’s financial services strengths and helping to put misleading narratives to bed.

We’re asking businesses and institutions to amplify these messages across their social networks to inject some positivity. 

I can’t do it alone; it takes everyone. I’m pleased that the London Stock Exchange is doing this too, throwing its weight behind a renewed effort to highlight the UK companies driving growth, innovation and prosperity. 

Reminding investors that when they invest in British business, they are backing companies with real impact and real ambition.

And why shouldn’t we talk about our strengths? The facts are overwhelmingly on our side.

As we approach the tenth anniversary of Brexit, many assume we are lagging behind Europe. 

The reality tells a different story. Nowhere else in Europe is attracting more investment in high-growth tech and AI. 

Nowhere else in Europe has more companies worth over £1billion. And nowhere else in Europe attracts more fintech investment – the UK hosts more fintech businesses than France and Germany combined.

London is one of the most vibrant places to live on the planet. For eleven consecutive years, Ipsos has ranked London the world’s most desirable city for living, working and visiting. 

Earlier this year we were awarded the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, recognising the social, economic and environmental improvements the capital has delivered in recent years.

What about talent? Four of the world’s top ten universities are here. Our U.K. wide financial services workforce stands at 2.5million (and growing), more than the entire combined population of Frankfurt and Milan.

This is not about pretending challenges don’t exist. It is about ensuring debate is grounded in evidence rather than myth. Britain’s competitors champion their strengths every day. We should have the confidence to do the same.

Every investment made, company founded, market entered and innovation launched strengthens our economy, creates jobs and improves retirement outcomes. 

Against a backdrop of persistent global headwinds, that is precisely the kind of economic momentum Britain desperately needs.

London is one of the greatest cities in the world and the UK one of the greatest countries to scale a company. We should shout about that – not because we’re defensive, but because we’re proud