LONDON: The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has said that people of diverse backgrounds must unite and work together to defeat the forces of hate and division, wielding power and influence these days through the use of fake news and extremist ideologies.
Khan said this while speaking to Geo News at an event where he announced a package of almost £1 million funding to support communities across London for the “Loved and Wanted” campaign.
He said he was launching the campaign to show that London is, and always will be, a place for everyone including Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, refugees, migrants and others who live in London and call it a home. The mayor said the campaign would send a strong message to all of the capital’s communities that they are ‘loved and wanted’ in London.
He said the ‘Loved and Wanted’ campaign brings together a broad range of organisations and community groups to show the world that diversity is London’s greatest strength and that people from all backgrounds are celebrated and welcomed. The campaign comes six months after disorder took place across towns and cities in the UK and at a time when fear and division are being spread in the UK and around the world.
Since October 2023, the capital has seen a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, and a rise in extreme right-wing activity has also left many fearful for their safety.
Khan said: “If you are a Muslim, Hindu, Black and from a certain background then you are scared and fearful. Riots didn’t take place in London but we were fearful. Hatred against Muslims and Jews has gone up recently. This campaign says “you are welcomed, loved and wanted”.
“Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs should meet each other and come together. We are the greatest city on this earth and we celebrate diversity and plurality.”
The London mayor said that the far-right is active in England and globally but not too much in London. “As Donald Trump and the Italian Prime Minister said it’s a nativist movement. We cannot be complacent. We don’t have a problem in London but we can’t be complacent. This campaign is about allyship and union. We say no to the far-right. We have defeated the right-wing before.”
Khan said that far-right nativist movements have risen in the world. He said: “Some politicians win by dividing communities, by pitting one community against another. The best politicians are those who bring communities together. I fear that results of the US and Italian elections – and the likely results in France and Germany – will project that you can win by pitting one against the other, by anti-fact based and anti-immigrant policies. It’s really important that we stand up to them. We should be optimistic and not pessimistic.”
“London is the greatest city in the world because of the incredible people who live here. Londoners come from every walk of life, from every religious, ethnic and social background and from all over the world to make this fantastic city. Sadly, we are living in increasingly uncertain and unsettling times and I know the worry and concern that this is having in our communities. That’s why we’re bringing together organisations and community groups across the capital to send a clear message that all Londoners are loved and wanted in our great city. London is, and always be, a place for everyone,” he added.
Abdurahman Sayed, Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre CEO, said: “We wholeheartedly welcome the mayor’s initiative to bring communities together at a time when unity and resilience are more needed than ever before. The funding of more than £985,000 through the Community Recovery Fund and Mayor’s Community Weekend will provide crucial support to grassroots organisations, helping to strengthen community ties and promote social cohesion.
“The launch of the Loved and Wanted campaign is also a vital step in reaffirming London’s identity as a city of diversity, inclusivity, and unity. In a world facing uncertainty, it is essential to reinforce the message that London is a place for everyone.”
