Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group Leader Hina Bokhari OBE today challenged Mayor Sadiq Khan’s failure to directly address whether the Prime Minister’s recent inflammatory comments on immigration were “dangerous” to communities across the capital.
During today’s Mayor’s Question Time, Bokhari pressed Khan on his earlier LBC Radio comments (13 May) where he described the PM’s language – including calling recent migration a “squalid chapter” and warning of an “island of strangers” – as “not the sort of words he would use.”
When Bokhari asked why not – and question directly whether the Mayor considered such language “dangerous,” Khan deflected repeatedly. After multiple attempts to secure a clear answer, Bokhari concluded: “The question was whether it was dangerous or not from the PM, but I don’t think I’m going to get a clear answer.”
Hina Bokhari OBE said: “London’s communities deserve unequivocal leadership when faced with divisive rhetoric from Number 10. The Mayor’s refusal to clearly condemn language that dehumanises migrants and deepens division shows a failure of leadership at a critical moment.
“Words have power – they shape opinion, policy, and lives. In a climate of rising hate crime and attacks on asylum seekers, the Prime Minister’s inflammatory language is not just disappointing, it is downright dangerous.
“While the Mayor talks about celebrating diversity and immigration’s benefits – which we absolutely should – he must also have the courage to call out dangerous rhetoric for what it is, even when it comes from a Labour government.
“London is built on migration – from the Romans to the Windrush generation to Ukrainians fleeing war today. Our diverse capital demands bold leadership willing to vocally reject rhetoric that echoes the darkest chapters of our political past.
“The real ‘squalid chapter’ isn’t immigration – it’s the dehumanisation we’ve tolerated for too long. London must lead the way in turning the page and make clear that this city is, and always will be, a place where everyone belongs.”
The Liberal Democrats have called for London to become a City of Sanctuary and continue to campaign against the ban on asylum seekers working – policies that would demonstrate real leadership on inclusion and compassion.