Achieving carbon neutrality should go alongside steps to promote green spaces in the City as places for human well being as well as biodiversity. I hope you all saw the Pollinating London Together exhibition in the Ambulatory on your way in to the Guildhall or Common Council. If not, do take a look on your way home as enhancing biodiversity is also a policy area within our 5 year strategy. I am delighted to be a patron!

It was great to award The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) Certificate in Ethical Artificial Intelligence to our first student, Philip Chamberlain. Philip works in Saudi Arabia but flew to Dubai where we were attending COP 28 to receive the award in person. Rapid development of Al technology means that ethical considerations must be taken into account from the beginning of the design process. Over 1000 students and 125 businesses have signed up so far to understand the ethical and management issues in the deployment of AI. Easy to sign up for the course www.cisi.org.ai.

After our St Paul’s Church service at 10:15, we lay wreaths at 11:45 at the memorial in front of the Royal Exchange. Then we host 250 servicemen, reservists, and cadets at Mansion to curry and beer (and some wine). It’s a wonderful chance to connect. Here are my remarks:

Chairman, Fellow Aldermen, Sheriffs, Chief Commoner, Ladies and Gentlemen…
It is my pleasure to welcome you this afternoon to Mansion House.
This is only my third day as Lord Mayor of the City of London, so let me say once again how deeply honoured I am to serve you over the coming year.
Today, of course, is about remembering all those who have laid down their lives in service to this country, paying the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live freely and without fear of oppression.
Together, we also remember those who have suffered great loss and who continue to serve in operations overseas.
Both the City, and the office of Lord Mayor, have a long and proud association with the Armed Forces, and I look forward to strengthening those ancient bonds this year…
…highlighting the vital work our reservists undertake to keep us all safe…
…promoting the Cadets’ incredible contribution to their communities…
…and as a proud liveryman, celebrating the important affiliations of the City’s Livery Companies, with individual units across all three Services.
I am extremely grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make today’s ceremonies such a moving tribute to the fallen.
In particular, thank you to:
• The staff of St Paul’s and the Corporation;
• The City Police;
• The Band of the HAC;
• And, of course, the Old Comrades and all the reservists who participated in the Parade and Marchpast.
Together, through these collective acts of remembrance, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom…
…and we give thanks to those who continue to serve and risk everything for our protection.
Once again, welcome, all, to Mansion House. I hope you enjoy the rest of your lunch. Thank you.