London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has publicly backed the Metropolitan Police’s stance that anyone chanting “globalise the intifada” could face arrest, arguing that such
language has contributed to fear within the Jewish community.
Speaking to Sky News, Sir Sadiq urged protesters to reflect not only on the limits of criminal law but also on the impact of their words. He said his message to Londoners was to consider whether they wanted Jewish neighbours, friends or colleagues to feel intimidated or unsafe.
“There’s a heightened fear among Jewish people,” he said. “If you are aware that what you’re saying is causing concern to your neighbours, don’t say it. There are other ways to make your views heard loudly and clearly about what’s happening in Gaza and the West Bank.”
His comments come amid continued tension around protests related to the Israel–Gaza conflict, with police and politicians under pressure to balance the right to protest with community safety.
Sir Sadiq also declined to be drawn on whether he intends to seek a fourth term as mayor, following the announcement last week of Laila Cunningham as Reform UK’s London mayoral candidate. Speaking to Times Radio, he said any discussion about his political future was premature.
“The last election I fought is nearer than the next one I may fight,” he said, ask me again in a year’s time. At this stage in the cycle, I never decide. I think it’s an indulgence to focus on my personal ambition rather than this city. I’m focused on this city.”
During the same interview, the mayor rejected calls from Reform UK to consider a ban on burkas. Sir Sadiq said he would “never dream” of telling women how to dress, stressing that clothing choices should remain a matter of personal freedom.
Sir Sadiq told Times Radio: “In relation to burkas, or the nikab or the hijab, as a man, it’s just wrong for me to tell women what to wear or what not to wear.
“I think it’s a choice for individual women to make in relation to what they wear. I wouldn’t dream of telling women what to wear, I think they should have the freedom to choose what to wear.”
The mayor’s remarks underline his broader message of social cohesion, personal liberty and responsibility, as London continues to navigate heightened sensitivities around global conflicts and their local impact. Photo by U.S. Embassy London, Wikimedia commons.