SADIQ KHAN: 'London one of safest cities in the world'

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Call me biased, but I think London is a jewel in the crown of our nation.

Not only is our capital city an economic powerhouse – contributing £40 billion more to our national economy than we receive in public spending each year – we’re also a global hub of creativity, culture and innovation.

Whether it’s our seven Premier League clubs, flourishing film scene (that gave the world Harry Potter , Paddington and James Bond) or iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the British Museum and Buckingham Palace – our capital punches well above its weight on the world stage.

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Whether you live in London or not, our capital belongs to all of us, and we all have a stake in its success. Because a strong capital city is vital to a strong UK, and vice-versa.

Yet, unfortunately, London-bashing has become something of a national and international sport, with populist politicians, commentators and keyboard warriors trading in fear, not facts. Because while there’s always more to do to tackle crime, the independent evidence shows violent crime is down and safety is up. London is one of the safest global cities in the world and far from falling apart – London is thriving.

This week, the world recognised that truth. London was awarded the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize - known as ‘the Nobel Prize for cities’. London won this prize for our bold efforts to tackle air pollution, provide universal free school meals for all state primary schoolchildren, deliver the Elizabeth Line, revitalise Oxford Street, and bring some of our biggest employers together to create new apprenticeships and ensure more Londoners are paid a decent wage for a hard day’s work.

Growing up on a council estate, I never bought the myth that London’s streets are paved with gold. Yes, there are countless opportunities here. But there is also extreme inequality and deep pockets of poverty. So, I know firsthand the difference a helping hand can make to working people. I’m proud that City Hall policies have not only improved the lives of Londoners, but in some instances, people all around our country.

The Elizabeth Line has connected people to jobs and family, while adding an estimated £42 billion to the UK economy, and delivering contracts to firms nationwide – with the trains built in Derby, fire doors in Bolton, and signage in the Isle of Wight.

Meanwhile, the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street will transform the nation’s high street into a world-class attraction – a magnet for tourists and inward investment, and a space that all Britons and international visitors can enjoy.

Winning this prize is a testament to our success, and we should all take pride in it. Let’s stand up to the unpatriotic few, who are determined to damage the reputation of our great capital at the expense of us all. Because when London succeeds, Britain succeeds.

Easter, Christmas, Diwali, Chanukah, Vaisakhi and Eid… in London we’re proud to celebrate all these religious festivals every year in Trafalgar Square.

That’s because we believe diversity is a strength, not a weakness – and London should be a place for everyone. So why are Muslims suddenly being singled out and criticised for praying in public at an Iftar?

Unfortunately, toxic figures are seeking to pit our communities against each other for their own political gain. They conveniently ignore the event was attended by men, women and children of all faiths and backgrounds who broke bread together in a spirit of friendship.

But, of course, they don’t want to let facts get in the way of false outrage. Their poisonous populism undermines fundamental British values of decency, respect and freedom of religion.

The US and Israel’s illegal war on Iran is shaping up to be a total disaster. Unlike Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch who wanted to rush Britain to war, Keir Starmer has shown admirable judgement.

The Prime Minister is right to stand up to Trump, learn the lessons of Iraq and insist ‘this is not our war’. This conflict is a catastrophe for the region and will only push up the cost of living here in the UK.

As a lifelong Liverpool fan, I was heartbroken to learn Mo Salah will soon be leaving.