In a robust defense of London’s multicultural identity, Mayor Sadiq Khan has fiercely condemned US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, where the US leader labelled Khan a “terrible mayor” and falsely suggested the city was moving towards Sharia law.
Khan, responding to Trump’s address, accused the US President of exhibiting “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic” tendencies. The mayor highlighted the apparent contradiction between Trump’s criticism and London’s status as a vibrant, global hub, noting the record numbers of American visitors and investors choosing the city.
Trump’s UN Condemnation of London and Khan
During his speech at the UN General Assembly, President Trump used a portion of his address to criticize London and its mayor. “I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor,” Trump stated, adding that the city had “changed” and was now moving towards “Sharia law.” He also linked immigration policies in Europe to potential decline, suggesting they would be “the death of Western Europe.” These remarks were part of a broader address that targeted various international bodies and policies.
This was not the first time Trump had publicly criticized Khan. The feud between the two political figures dates back to 2015, when Khan, then a mayoral candidate, condemned Trump’s proposal for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States. Trump has since frequently attacked Khan, calling him a “stone-cold loser,” “nasty person,” and one of the “worst mayors in the world,” often linking crime rates in London to Khan’s leadership.
Mayor Khan’s Forceful Rebuttal
Mayor Khan, a prominent figure in British politics and London’s first Muslim mayor, did not shy away from a direct confrontation. “I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic, and he is Islamophobic,” Khan declared. He further commented on the personal nature of Trump’s repeated criticisms, suggesting that he appeared to be “living rent-free inside Donald Trump’s head.” Khan countered Trump’s negative portrayal by emphasizing London’s strength as a liberal, multicultural, and successful city.
Khan’s office initially stated they would not dignify Trump’s “appalling and bigoted comments” with a response. However, Khan himself later elaborated, highlighting the city’s international standing. He pointed to statistics showing record numbers of American citizens choosing to move to London, implying this popularity was a testament to the city’s appeal and successful governance, a direct counterpoint to Trump’s narrative of decline.
Debunking the Sharia Law Allegation
Crucially, there is no evidence to support the claim that London is adopting or seeking to adopt Sharia law as a governing legal system. English law remains supreme in the UK. While Sharia councils, or informal religious tribunals, do exist in the UK and have for decades, they primarily deal with personal and religious matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance within Muslim communities. These councils have no legal binding authority under civil law.
Critics suggest that Trump’s rhetoric, while factually incorrect, taps into existing conspiracy theories and genuine controversies surrounding the integration of religious practices and community disputes in Britain. The UK government has consistently maintained that Sharia law forms no part of the law of England and Wales.
London’s Global Reputation
Sadiq Khan has consistently championed London as “the greatest city in the world,” a narrative supported by numerous international rankings. London is frequently cited as a leading global city for culture, foreign investment, technology, and tourism. Khan’s administration has focused on initiatives such as improving public transport, tackling air pollution, and promoting diversity, aiming to enhance the city’s forward-thinking image. This vision of a dynamic and inclusive metropolis stands in stark contrast to the picture painted by President Trump.
Political Reactions and Wider Context
Trump’s comments at the UN drew a mixed response from British politicians. Several Labour figures, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting, defended Khan, asserting that he champions diversity and that British law applies in London. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated he disagreed with Trump’s remarks about London, emphasizing that “We don’t have Sharia law, we have British law”. Some Members of Parliament called for the US ambassador to be summoned to account for Trump’s “rampant Islamophobia”. However, figures like Nigel Farage suggested Trump had a point regarding Sharia law being an issue in London.
The exchange occurred shortly after Trump’s second state visit to the UK, a visit that saw Prime Minister Keir Starmer making efforts to maintain a cordial relationship with the US President, a move that drew some internal criticism for being too conciliatory. Trump’s criticism of Khan, a key figure in the opposition Labour party, put Starmer in an awkward position, though he had previously defended Khan in private discussions.
Conclusion
The diplomatic spat between the US President and the Mayor of London highlights a significant clash of ideologies and narratives. While Trump relied on broad, unsubstantiated claims about Sharia law and the decline of London, Mayor Khan responded by reasserting the city’s global standing, its commitment to diversity, and the fundamental rule of British law. This news cycle, featuring the latest developments in this ongoing political feud, underscores the different visions for a major international city as seen through the eyes of its mayor and a visiting head of state. London continues to be featured in global news for its resilience and its standing as a leading world capital.
