Over 100,000 people filled London at the weekend as the capital saw far-right protests, with some violently attacking police officers. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, described the events as a turning point, noting that the toxic politics of division has spilled onto the streets.
Khan criticised politicians and pundits for failing to condemn rising hatred, and pointed to Donald Trump as a key figure fanning the flames of divisive, far-right politics globally. He recalled Trump's travel ban on Muslim-majority countries and praise for white nationalists in Charlottesville.
The mayor urged the UK government to be a critical friend to the US, speaking truth to power on issues such as Ukraine, climate change, tariffs, and Gaza. He also rejected Trump's denigration of London, highlighting that the city is safer than every US state in terms of homicide rates and is home to record numbers of Americans.
Khan expressed confidence that Londoners will show Trump and his followers that the city cannot be divided by fear, and that its inclusive and optimistic spirit remains strong.
