London Mayor Sadiq Khan labels Donald Trump ‘racist and Islamophobic’ as feud intensifies
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has hit back at U.S. President Donald Trump after the latter used a United Nations speech to launch a blistering attack on him.
On Wednesday, September 24, Khan accused Trump of being “racist” and “Islamophobic” after the President branded him a “terrible, terrible mayor” and suggested London wanted to “go to sharia law.”
“I think President Trump has shown he is racist, he is sexist, he is misogynistic, and he is Islamophobic,” Khan said. “When people speak and act in certain ways, you have to take them at their word.”
Trump’s comments quickly drew criticism from British politicians across party lines. Labour MPs rallied behind Khan, the city’s first Muslim mayor, denouncing the President’s remarks as inflammatory and baseless.
Cabinet minister Pat McFadden noted that Trump and Khan had “been at loggerheads for years” but dismissed the U.S. leader’s remarks as out of touch. Speaking at Crystal Palace football ground, McFadden said: “I can assure you it’s not Sharia law here — it’s British law that applies.”
Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq called the comments “poppycock” and “complete cobblers,” while Rosena Allin Khan, the MP for Tooting, urged the Government to summon the US ambassador to the UK in protest.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting also defended the London mayor, saying: “Sadiq Khan is not trying to impose Sharia Law on London. This is a mayor who marches with Pride, who stands up for difference of background and opinion, who is focused on improving our transport, our air, our streets, our safety, our choices and chances. Proud he’s our mayor.”
A spokesperson for Khan said his office would not dignify Trump’s “appalling and bigoted comments” with a detailed response, adding: “London is the greatest city in the world, safer than major US cities, and we are delighted to welcome the record number of US citizens moving here.”
Trump’s visit to the UK last week included no public engagements in London, with his schedule limited to meetings with the King at Windsor and the Prime Minister at Chequers.
In his UN address, Trump warned that “Europe is in serious trouble” and accused the continent of being “invaded by a force of illegal aliens.” His claim about sharia law in London was echoed in part by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who argued the President “has a point” though he urged people not to take Trump’s words literally.
Farage said sharia law was “an issue in London” but “not an overwhelming issue,” and insisted Khan had no direct link to it. He framed Trump’s remarks as part of a wider warning about the West losing its “culture, heritage and identity,” citing examples from Stockholm and Germany.
