The centuries-old Smithfield meat market in London has been set to close after the traders and city authorities agreed to move the market to a new location.
Opening every weekday at 03:00, Smithfield is one of Europe's largest and oldest wholesale meat markets. It dates back to at least the 11th century -- at which point it was outside the walls of the young city -- as an open-air market selling live animals from around the country. In 1868, it relaunched as a wholesale meat market in a specially designed building, but little else has changed over the years.
Trader Greg Lawrence has been working there since he was 16, building a solid family business in the meat trade and becoming chairman of Smithfield Market Tenants Association.
"Serving all London, the southeast of London, all the institutions, the prisons, the care homes, the hospitals, the schools, directly and indirectly. So it's very important. We're selling it to butchers, small supermarkets, caterers, hotels, anyone who wants to buy meat," he said.
The run-up to Christmas is the busiest time of the year at Smithfield. Staff work long hours to supply all kinds of meat to commercial and private customers.
The Smithfield market is part of a modern and thriving city, and is also key to London's tradition and heritage. But city authorities are calling time on this facility. In November 2024, it proposed closing it by 2028, after which the site would be taken over by the London Museum.
While the venue will be put to good use, many Londoners are saddened at losing their iconic market. A public petition to stop the closure collected nearly 30,000 signatures. But traders have agreed a settlement with the City of London.
Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation Chris Hayward said: "We've worked closely with the traders and thank them for their input and understanding. We're committed to making sure they have the financial support and guidance they need to transition seamlessly and successfully to new locations."
With no room to grow and frustrated by traffic problems, most traders are ready to move on.
"It is the right time now. Ten years ago I wouldn't have said that. It would be quite emotional for me because I've been here since 1966. It is the right time. The road closures, the emissions, everything is against it at the moment," said Lawrence.
A new location is yet to be announced, but traders hope the traditions of this market are transferable.
Centuries-old Smithfield Market in London set to close
Centuries-old Smithfield Market in London set to close
Centuries-old Smithfield Market in London set to close
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
