LONDON: London Mayor Sadiq Khan has blamed right-wing politicians and the media for using inflammatory and extremist language against Muslims and people of colour, leading to the recent race riots that rocked Britain.
In an exclusive interview with Geo news On the impact and cause of the recent riots, the Mayor of London praised the response of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his team to the recent unrest, but urged strict regulations on social media to stop misinformation and social disorder.
He blamed conservative, reformist and far-right politicians for creating the conditions for racial riots in cities across England and Belfast.
The Mayor was speaking during his visit to the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre in west London to speak to mosque leaders and provide them with further reassurance following the unrest seen across the country over the past fortnight.
Sadiq said: “The social media regulation passed last year has not been implemented. This should be implemented as soon as possible. We should review whether this legislation is adequate. It is not just X, but also Instagram, Telegram and other media that have played a role. The former conservative interior minister and reformist politicians used language that is very dangerous. A lie goes around the world before the truth gets its socks on. Social media is a steroid for lies. Social media must be reviewed.”
He said: “The media has a huge responsibility because social media platforms amplify hate. The government must review whether our laws are fit for purpose. If they are not, these laws must be changed.”
He added: “I have met with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Attorney General Richard Herme. Their response to the riots has been excellent. There have been over 1,000 arrests in just two weeks, with rioters sent to prison for revenge. This shows that this government is tough on those who break the law.”
“The far right is targeting Muslims, mosques and people of colour. Today we will be meeting with mosque leaders, the Home Office and the police to ensure the safety of those who congregate. We know that the far right wants to sow divisions between Muslims and non-Muslims. It is disrespectful of the police to keep Londoners safe and it is our duty to assist the police in every way possible to help them tackle crime and threats. That is why I have brought all the stakeholders together here. We want to make sure that Muslims in London are safe, that all communities are safe. We want to send a message to anyone who comes to London: you are safe and welcome in London.”
Asked by Geo news As for the parents’ concerns, the mayor said he agreed that Muslim parents are worried and “have asked me what will happen when their children return to school after the summer holidays. People are afraid to offer Jumma prayers. The police are alerting mosques and schools and providing security. We will work with the Department of Education and educational institutions to ensure that children and parents feel safe and are protected.”
Sadiq said the riots did not happen in a vacuum. He said: “Unfortunately, three innocent children were brutally murdered and ten people were injured.
Over the past 15 years, mainstream politicians have claimed there is an invasion of Britain by immigrants and asylum seekers, with former Home Secretary Suella Braverman saying Islam is running the UK, reformist leader Lee Anderson saying Islamists are running London.
The 17-year-old who killed the three children was not Muslim, but social media amplified misinformation about his condition. It is very important for politicians to refute the lies.
The Mayor of London has reiterated that London stands united against racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism as he announced additional support for security training at mosques in the capital, following scenes of violence and disorder across the country earlier this month.
It has provided funding for four additional security training sessions at mosques across the capital, while expanding its work to support faith leaders across the capital, build community cohesion and tackle hate crime following recent unrest.
Sadiq has also welcomed the reopening of the Government’s Mosque Security Scheme following his calls. The scheme is providing rapid security support for any building vulnerable to hate crime, boosting the work done by local police forces and building on the Government’s existing Mosque Protective Security Scheme, with up to £29.4m already earmarked to fund security at mosques and Muslim faith schools.
Faith Associates, leading mosque security experts, led the first of four new sessions at Al Manaar to provide practical advice on how to keep congregations and premises safe. Representatives from the Met and the Home Office were also present. The sessions addressed safety and security processes, as well as hate crime and online safety.
Shaukat Warraich, CEO of Faith Associates, said: “The recent riots and Islamophobia seen across the country have been shocking and frightening. Faith Associates are experts in mosque security and have undertaken capacity building work with mosques around the world. We have a long history of working with the Mayor of London to help keep the Muslim community in the capital safe, and have been working regularly since 2019. MOPAC’s new support will enable even more mosques to receive vital security advice that can be implemented immediately.”
During his time as Mayor, Sadiq has led from the front to ensure the Met adopts a zero tolerance policy for all hate crime. The Mayor has invested a record £14.8m in tackling hatred, intolerance and extremism in all its forms, supporting grassroots community groups.
