In a bold stance, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has positioned himself as a champion of immigration, rejecting the “hysteria, hatred and fearmongering of the far Right”. Khan has issued a clarion call for progressives to “reset the immigration debate”, arguing that the “drastic fall in legal migration” presents a “unique opportunity” to highlight the benefits of immigration.
The Mayor’s comments come as rivals prepare to challenge him in the 2028 mayoral election. Khan has launched a blistering attack on the “cruel, callous and deeply dangerous” rhetoric of the far Right, who he says “can’t stand what London represents – a city that’s diverse, progressive and thriving”.
Addressing concerns raised by Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, who accused Khan of being “totally out of touch”, the Mayor defended his stance, saying: “There’s a clear path that could allow us to: highlight the benefits of immigration; be open about the type and level we need; reject the relentless demonisation of immigrants and the race to the bottom, which is sending shivers of fear through our communities; and ensure people know that we’ll always put control, compassion and contribution at the heart of our approach.”
Khan has vowed to make an “unapologetically positive case for controlled immigration”, arguing that it is up to progressives to “win this battle of ideas”. His comments come as rival candidates, including Reform UK’s Laila Cunningham, prepare to challenge him in the 2028 mayoral election.