LONDON (AP) — Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, is facing accusations of not doing enough to address the rising crime rates in the city. According to police estimates, there have been 1,008 homicides in the 2,773 days since Khan was first elected, averaging about 130 families impacted by these crimes every year during his tenure.
Critics argue that Khan has failed to prioritize the safety of Londoners, citing the increase in homicides and his refusal to provide £70 million in funds to support crucial police reforms. Additionally, Khan offered a £30 million pay deal to unions in an effort to prevent crippling Tube strikes, raising questions about his allocation of resources and priorities.
The Mayor’s office, however, claims that homicide levels have actually decreased since 2014, citing record investment in the police force and early intervention through the Violence Reduction Unit as contributing factors. Despite this, grieving families and political opponents continue to voice concerns over the alarming rise in violent crime, particularly knife crime, in London over the last few years.
Amid escalating criticism, the mayoral race seems to be heating up. Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall expressed disappointment in Khan’s leadership, emphasizing the need for a mayor focused on policing and public safety. Meanwhile, Mr. Khan’s spokesman stressed the mayor’s commitment to keeping Londoners safe and highlighted the impact of significant government cuts to policing and youth services in recent years.
The controversy surrounding Khan’s handling of crime in London comes at a time when the city is grappling with a surge in violent incidents, including stabbings and gun violence. As the mayoral election approaches, the issue of public safety and law enforcement reforms is likely to remain a central theme in the political discourse. In the meantime, the city continues to reckon with the devastating impact of these crimes on families and communities.