“Only London can elect an Asian, Muslim and Pakistani heritage three times,” says the newly elected mayor of London
LONDON: Sadiq Khan began his third term as London mayor on Tuesday with a promise 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 they have It has now historically elected Sadiq Khan for a third term.
The Labor incumbent won a historic third term at the polls last week, becoming the first London mayor to do so, with a majority of some 275,000 votes over his Conservative rival Susan Hall, increasing his vote share and making unprecedented gains in new areas of London.
Speaking at a declaration of office ceremony held at the Tate Modern, Khan outlined his position for the capital's young people and nightlife.
He told the audience about his father, a Pakistani bus 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 appointed him mayor and re-elected him three times.
Sadiq Khan said: “My father, a Pakistani bus driver, served in London. He was a proud Londoner. When he arrived here from Pakistan, he encountered signs in shops and guest houses saying “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 people, his son, the son of immigrants of Pakistani origin, Asian heritage and Islamic faith, has been able to go from a council estate in south London to becoming a mayor of the city. he adored.
“And not only that, but he won re-election, not once but twice. And that is a reminder for 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, as well as invest in high-quality tutoring.
The mayor said he was proud that his positivity campaign was able to overcome what he saw as divisive and dishonest Conservative tactics.
He said: “We had a Conservative candidate whose campaign was extremely negative, someone who was spreading misinformation, false information and lies, so we had to respond and refute that at the same time as trying to present a positive vision for our city. a fairer, greener and safer London.
“I'm really proud that this city has rewarded that positive campaign and rejected the conservative campaign.”
The mayor arrived at the Tate Modern on foot, crossing the Millennium Bridge in a green linen suit by Hackney-based Percival, flanked by his wife, Saadiya, and their teenage daughters.
During his speech at the art gallery, Khan said: “It would be good to take a moment to celebrate being the first person in British political history to win successive victories over Count Binface.”
He added: “If you need another reason to love London, Earl Binface easily beat Britain First.”
Standing behind a lectern reading London for All, Khan described London as “a city of progress, pluralism and infinite possibilities,” where “history is written by people of all religions, all ethnicities and all backgrounds.”
The mayor rejected comments made last week by Donald Trump, who accused London of having “opened the door to extremism.”
“I couldn't be more wrong,” Khan said, adding: “The truth is that, following the results of this election, Londoners have slammed the door on their brand of far-right populism. Londoners have 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” and many “are desperately fighting to make ends meet.”
“If you work hard and get help, you can achieve anything,” Khan said of his “London promise”, but told PA that many Londoners were not getting enough help.
“I hope that later this year, after the general election, the British public will vote for a Labor government and we can make a real difference,” he said.
Asked about the struggling nightlife sector, Khan told PA that a perfect storm of Brexit, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis had impacted hospitality.
“We're going to continue to support those businesses and, frankly, what they need is a situation where business rates don't skyrocket,” he said, adding: “I'm looking forward to a really vibrant summer, one that attracts tourists returning to the city, and if Taylor Swift can't do it, no one can.”
