Sadiq Khan branded out of contact as he champions immigration | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has positioned himself as a champion of immigration as rivals put together for the battle to succeed him. Mr Khan launched a blistering assault on the “hysteria, hatred and fearmongering of the far Right”. He issued a clarion name for progressives to “reset the immigration debate”, claiming the “drastic fall in legal migration” presents a “unique opportunity”.

His name to withstand a “race to the bottom” can be seen as each a rebuke to fellow Labour politicians who search to seem powerful on immigration and to Right-wing politicians who plan to compete in opposition to him within the 2028 mayoral elections.

Mr Khan took goal on the far Right in a social media submit, saying: “They paint a dystopian picture of London as a city that’s fallen. And let’s be frank – they do so because they can’t stand what London represents – a city that’s diverse, progressive and thriving.

“Their rhetoric isn’t just false – it’s cruel, callous and deeply dangerous. That’s why we must fight back against this narrative that diversity is inherently bad for our society, and therefore all immigration is too.”

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the Mayor of London’s intervention, saying: “Sadiq Khan is totally out of touch.”

Mr Philp attacked a “lamentable failure to integrate – as evidenced in some parts of London”. And he claimed some “nationalities have incredibly low levels of economic activity and ultimately become benefit dependent”.

He mentioned: “We need far lower levels of immigration – and only from people who will actually make an economic contribution. Those here on temporary visas who are not making an economic contribute should leave when their visa expires.”

Mr Khan defended immigration saying: “There’s a clear path that could allow us to: highlight the benefits of immigration; be open about the type and level we need; reject the relentless demonisation of immigrants and the race to the bottom, which is sending shivers of fear through our communities; and ensure people know that we’ll always put control, compassion and contribution at the heart of our approach.”

He added: “It falls to us to win this battle of ideas. To make an unapologetically positive case for controlled immigration.”

Reform UK has excessive hopes for the May native elections and Laila Cunningham has been chosen because the mayoral candidate. Bookmakers Ladbrokes put her within the 9/4 slot to win the election, with Mr Khan on 5/2 and Conservative MP James Cleverly, who has not declared any intention to run, on 10/1.