In a recent statement, London Mayor Sadiq Khan offered an apology for remarks that suggested Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis harboured Islamophobic sentiments. The controversy began during a discussion with broadcaster Mehdi Hasan, where Khan noted his Gaza ceasefire appeal received notably harsher criticism from Jewish leaders compared to similar calls by other mayors, like Manchester’s Andy Burnham.
Khan’s comment, “What motivated them to come out in the way they did against the mayor of London? I’ll give you a clue, he’s not called ‘Ahmed Bourani’, he’s called Andy Burnham — whereas I’m called Sadiq Khan,” ignited immediate backlash. Critics, including Tory party chairman Richard Holden, accused Khan of engaging in “dirty dog whistle politics.”
Following the uproar, Khan expressed deep regret over his remarks, stating, “I deeply regret my comments.” The episode has also drawn criticism from Home Secretary James Cleverly, who chastised the Mayor for prioritising international politics over local safety issues. Cleverly highlighted the Mayor’s lack of attention to pressing domestic concerns, saying, “Sadiq talks more about Gaza than black kids getting stabbed in South East London. This is our capital city and ten million people are being failed. He’s been asleep at the wheel.”
