City of London (Markets) Bill

This amendment paper proposes technical changes to the City of London (Markets) Bill. It would replace references to 'cessation of the operation of a market at an existing site' with 'termination of a lease in respect of premises that form part of an existing site of a market' in the Explanatory Memorandum and in Clause 3 (Appointed Day). It also proposes retaining section 11 of the London Central Markets Repeals by inserting an exception to repeal in the Schedule.

The amendments propose winding down Billingsgate Market and the London Central Markets at their current sites, with an ‘appointed day’ for cessation and compensation for affected tenants. They require 90 days’ public notice, terminate leases and market-related rights from that day, and repeal a wide range of historic Acts related to the markets.

The government states that the City of London (Markets) Bill has undergone a full assessment of compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights and the minister sees no reason to dispute the promoters’ conclusions. This is a formal ECHR compatibility report required for a Private Bill under Standing Orders.

The Court of Referees heard arguments about who has the right to be heard in a petition against the City of London (Markets) Bill. It ruled that Bags of Taste Ltd and 23 individual customers do not have standing to participate, but the three Ridley Road fishmongers do have standing and may be heard on the petition as a whole, with their rights not to be limited. The underlying Bill would repeal existing wholesale market legislation (Billingsgate and Smithfield) and move toward relocating markets, with those issues to be considered by the main Committee separately.

Artefact’s February 2025 study for the City of London concludes that Smithfield and Billingsgate wholesale markets should relocate to modern, fit-for-purpose premises by 2028/9, with most traders planning to move together to preserve four core market qualities: historic value, servicing small buyers, hub functionality and inter-trading. The City envisages redeveloping the current sites—Smithfield into an international cultural destination beside the London Museum and Billingsgate into housing and public space—projected to generate about £9.1bn in GVA by 2049, with compensation and dedicated transition support for traders. It argues there is minimal food-security risk from relocation, given supermarkets’ dominance in household meat/fish consumption and the market’s focus on out-of-home supply, while noting the study does not assess economic impacts or pinpoint new locations; it recommends ongoing engagement and monitoring.

This written evidence sets out the rules and historic precedents for who may be heard in petitions against Private Bills (locus standi), and the promoter’s stance on challenging petitioners’ right to be heard. It argues for a stricter, three-part test—petitioners must show direct and special interests, sufficient representation, and a material injurious effect—while normally restricting ad hoc or broad-interest groups, but allowing local authorities or representative bodies under Standing Orders 95 and 96. It also notes a parallel, cautious approach for the Holocaust Memorial Bill to decide right-to-be-heard matters, aiming for procedural efficiency by focusing on individuals or bodies with direct interests.

This is a petition by Frank Hall Ltd opposing the City of London (Markets) Bill. It argues Smithfield Market should remain a meat market and be preserved as part of Britain’s heritage, warning that closing or altering it could cost local jobs and increase traffic, and asking the Government to listen to affected communities.

An organised petition, led by Bags of Taste and local fishmongers, opposes the City of London (Markets) Bill’s proposal to close Billingsgate Market without a ready replacement. They warn the closure would harm small traders and residents who rely on affordable, fresh fish and could undermine London’s Ridley Road market. The petition calls for delaying any closure until a viable, accessible alternative site is secured and properly communicated.

Peter Acton submits a petition opposing the City of London (Markets) Bill, arguing that Smithfield and Billingsgate markets should not be closed or sold. He calls for shelving the Bill and establishing a working party to plan New Smithfield and New Billingsgate markets to protect London’s food infrastructure, economy and heritage.

Introduced in January 2025, the City of London (Markets) Bill would repeal legislation relating to Billingsgate Market and the London Central Markets and end their operation at the existing sites. It sets an 'appointed day' for cessation (with 90 days’ notice), lifts market-related restrictions on the sites, and provides compensation to market tenants with any affected leases terminated on that day. The Bill also repeals a long list of related Acts and treats the London Central Markets as a single market for the purposes of the legislation.