London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called on British diplomats stationed globally to actively counter what he described as “disinformation and falsehoods” about the city, amplified by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, who has frequently criticized Khan and labeled him a “terrible mayor,” has made several contentious claims about London, including allegations that crime rates are soaring and that the city intends to adopt “sharia law.”
In a significant development, Khan, speaking after a meeting with British diplomats, ambassadors, and high commissioners, emphasized that while London is not without its challenges, it remains a safe city—safer than many major U.S. cities. Khan, a member of Prime Minister Starmer’s centre-left Labour Party, made history in 2016 as the first Muslim elected mayor of London. He has since secured two additional terms, holding the largest personal mandate of any British politician.
Highlighting official data, Khan noted that London recorded its lowest homicide rate per capita last year since records began, alongside a recent drop in phone snatching incidents. “Much of this misinformation originates from the United States,” Khan remarked. “It is crucial to challenge the propaganda coming from President Trump.” The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Khan stressed the importance of equipping British diplomatic staff with accurate information to refute falsehoods and educate international audiences about London’s true situation. He warned that the spread of such misleading claims on social media could discourage tourism, investment, residency, and study opportunities in London, ultimately damaging the city’s future prospects.
The meeting included British diplomats from countries such as the U.S., the United Arab Emirates, and Japan, as well as representatives from London’s Metropolitan Police. The longstanding public dispute between Trump and Khan dates back to at least 2017, when Khan publicly opposed Trump’s travel ban targeting several majority-Muslim nations.
