By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-08-07 08:06:10 | Updated at 2026-08-07 12:13:57
4 hours ago
Sir Sadiq Khan has claimed British Muslims were being made to feel like "second-class citizens" as he stood by his record on crime.
The London Mayor said he was unsure why people wanted to politicise a controversial public Iftar event in Trafalgar Square.
The event was described as an "act of domination and division" in a post on X by Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy.
However, Sir Sadiq hit back at criticism of the event, denying Mr Timothy's classification of the event, which passed without incident.
He told The Telegraph: "I understand at the moment that when it comes to the hierarchy of people who are trodden upon, Muslims are at the bottom.
"I can understand it’s possible to win votes by fear rather than hope. But I hope, on reflection, people will say, is it really a bad thing where people are doing things in the open rather than hidden away in a mosque?"
"Nobody wants to fly the flag of Mohammed over Downing Street. Or I certainly don’t. I don’t understand why there’s this pushback.
"You’re making people feel like second-class citizens and driving this narrative about the clash of civilisations. This is music to the ears of those who are radicalising young people."
Sadiq Khan has hit out at critics
Figures from the Met Police released in June show offences classified by the force as Islamophobic hate crimes also rose between April and May of this year, up 33 per cent from 135 to 179.
This marked the highest monthly figure for anti-Muslim hate crimes since August 2024.
The borough of Westminster had the highest number of Islamophobic hate crimes recorded by the Met in May, at 21.
That month a "Unite the Kingdom" rally, organised by activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, took place in central London, with some speakers and posters calling for the "removal of Islam" from Britain.
May saw the 'Unite the Kingdom' rally, organised by activist Tommy Robinson, with some speakers and posters calling for the "removal of Islam" from Britain
GETTY
Sir Sadiq stressed how, while he remains a practicing Muslim, London remained an open and tolerant city for people of all faith.
Referring to attacks from President Donald Trump and Tesla founder Elon Musk, Sir Sadiq admitted: "I recognise I am clickbait. I get that.
"We are a city that is liberal, progressive, multicultural and, by any metric, incredibly successful.
"If you believe in monoethnism, or you don’t believe that Muslims, Jews, Christians and others can get on well, we’re a problem for you."
Sir Sadiq Khan has defended his record
In addition, Sir Sadiq was quick to talk up his achievements since he was first elected to the role in 2016, winning two more successive London mayoral Elections in 2021 and 2024.
He said: "London is fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous than it was 10 years ago. You’re breathing cleaner air, but if you’re a teenager you are less likely to be killed than at any time in three decades.
"Homicide rates are the lowest per capita since records began. Over the last year, there were 36,000 fewer crimes."
He also blamed police funding cuts, which he said had "hollowed out" the force since 2010, but added: "Perception is reality. The substance is bringing crime down, but if you don’t feel safe, that’s a problem for me."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan hasn't ruled out the idea of running for re-election
When asked about if he would stand for Labour in a fourth mayoral election in 2028, he declined to rule it out.
He said: "After discussing it with my wife and family, I’ll make a decision next year. My tank is full, I’m still fizzing with ideas."
However, he admitted: "One thing that gnaws at me a bit is that I’m not sure it’s good for one person to be in charge for too long. I’m not saying we’re North Korea or Russia. The polls show I would win a fourth term.
"But I have to ask myself the question, as someone who loves this city: is it good for our city for someone to be in charge for 16 years? That’s a genuine question I don’t know the answer to yet."
