Mayor Sadiq Khan thanks Londoners for electing son of Pakistani immigrant to historic third term

LONDON: Sadiq Khan began his third term as London mayor on Tuesday with a pledge to make the capital the best city in the world to grow up in – and a tribute to his Pakistani parents who faced hostilities when they first arrived in the city which has now historically elected Sadiq Khan for a third term.

The incumbent Labor leader won a historic third term at the polls last week, becoming the first London mayor to do so, with a majority of around 275,000 over Conservative challenger Susan Hall, increasing his share of the vote and making unprecedented inroads into new areas. of London.

Speaking at an office launch ceremony held at the Tate Modern, Khan set out his stall for the capital’s young people and nightlife.

He spoke to the audience about his father’s Pakistani driver, who faced racism and hatred. However, Sadiq Khan said London was the greatest city in the world because just a generation later the same city made him Mayor and went on to re-elect him three times.

Sadiq Khan said: “My Pakistani bus driver father served London. He was a proud Londoner. When he arrived here from Pakistan, he was met with signs in shops and hostels that read ‘No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs’. My father was not white. And yet, a generation later, thanks to the struggle and sacrifice of so many, his son, the child of immigrants of Pakistani origin, Asian heritage and Islamic faith, managed to go from a council estate in South London to become Mayor of the city he adored.

“Not only that, but he won re-election, not once but twice. And this is a reminder to everyone to know why London is special, the city of pluralism.”

Accompanied by his wife and two daughters, Sadiq Khan added: “My name is Sadiq Khan and I am still the Mayor of London.

Sadiq Khan Khan said he wants to make free school meals permanent in London’s state primary schools, fund more youth clubs and mental health support, and invest in high-quality guidance.

The mayor said he was proud his campaign of positivity was able to overcome what he saw as divisive and dishonest Tory tactics.

He said: “We had a Conservative candidate whose campaign was extremely negative, someone who was spreading misinformation, fake information and lies, so we had to respond and counter that at the same time as trying to promote a positive vision for our city – a more fairer, greener, safer London.

“I’m really proud that this city has rewarded this positive campaign and rejected the Conservative campaign.”

The mayor arrived at the Tate Modern on foot, walking across the Millennium Bridge in a green linen suit by Hackney-based Percival, flanked by his wife Saadiya and their teenage daughters.

Speaking at the art gallery, Khan said: “It would be nice to take a moment to celebrate becoming the first person in British political history to win back-to-back victories over Earl Binface.”

He added: “If you need another reason to love London, Count Binface easily beat Britain First.”

Standing behind a lectern that read London for All, Khan described London as “a city of progress, pluralism and endless possibilities”, where “history is one written by people of all faiths, all ethnicities and all backgrounds”.

The mayor rejected comments made last week by Donald Trump, who accused London of “opening the door to extremism”.

“He couldn’t be more wrong,” Khan said, adding: “The truth is that through the results of this election Londoners have closed the door on his far-right populism. Londoners said no to racism, no to division and no to hate, and yes once again to diversity, unity and hope.”

The mayor acknowledged that “these are difficult times” with many “desperately struggling to get by”.

“If you work hard and get a helping hand, you can achieve anything,” Khan said of his “London promise”, but told the PA that too many Londoners were not getting enough help.

“I hope later this year, after the general election, that the British public will vote in a Labor government and we can make a real difference,” he said.

When asked about the struggling nightlife sector, Khan told PA that a perfect storm of Brexit, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis had affected hospitality.

“We’re going to continue to support these businesses and frankly what they need is a situation where business prices don’t go through the roof,” he said, adding: “I’m looking forward to a really vibrant summer, attractive tourists coming back to town and if Taylor Swift doesn’t can do it, no one can.”