Mayor fails to condemn PM’s ‘dangerous’ immigration language despite repeated questioning

Mayor Sadiq Khan’s “Evasive” Response Sparks a London‑wide Racket

In a drama that felt more like a sketch comedy than council briefing, Liberal Democrat Lord Mayor of London’s aide, Hina Bokhari OBE, held Mayor Sadiq Khan to account in today’s Question Time. The topic? The Prime Minister’s recent “hot‑water” remarks on immigration, which Bokhari claims could be “dangerous” to the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

What Went Down

Setting the Stage: On May 13, Khan aired his critique of the Prime Minister on LBC Radio, labeling the PM’s words about migration as a “squalid chapter” and a warning of becoming an “island of strangers.” He, however, called those words “not the sort of language he would use.”
Bokhari’s Challenge: She asked, “Why not?” and pressed the mayor to say whether the PM’s rhetoric was “dangerous.” Expecting a straight answer, Khan left her gathering all the same…in the dark.
The Deflection: After multiple attempts, Khan sidestepped, giving vague replies. Bokhari then announced, “The question was whether it was dangerous or not from the PM, but I don’t think I’m going to get a clear answer.”

All the Warm Praise, but the “Danger” Flips Over

In an impassioned display, Bokhari declared:

“London’s communities deserve unequivocal leadership when faced with divisive rhetoric from Number 10. The Mayor’s refusal to clearly condemn language that dehumanises migrants and deepens division shows a failure of leadership at a critical moment.

Words have power – they shape opinion, policy, and lives. In a climate of rising hate crime and attacks on asylum seekers, the Prime Minister’s inflammatory language is not just disappointing, it is downright dangerous.

She continued, “While the Mayor talks about celebrating diversity and the good stuff that immigration brings, he must have the courage to call out dangerous rhetoric, even when it comes from a Labour government.”

Her standing points: London’s roots run deep in immigration—from the Romans, the Windrush generation, to the Ukrainians fleeing war today. “The real ‘squalid chapter’ isn’t immigration itself, but the dehumanisation we’ve tolerated for too long,” she added. “London must lead the way in turning the page and make clear that this city is, and always will be, a place where everyone belongs.”

What the Liberal Democrats want from London

City of Sanctuary: Turning London into a fully protected haven for refugees.
No bans on asylum seekers working: A push for policies that let newly arrived migrants earn their keep.
Bold leadership: Concrete steps to champion inclusion, compassion, and a united city.