The London Mayor has responded to the city’s growing crime wave and calls for his resignation by once again blaming those on the political right, as well as by promoting a hashtag on Twitter.
Sadiq Khan took up the capital’s top job two years ago, promising to focus on making London safe, but has subsequently overseen a massive rise in violent attacks. Burglary, sexual assault, and rape are also up.
The shock headline that London’s homicide rate had overtaken that of New York, published over the weekend, prompted calls for his resignation.
Mr. Khan was initially silent, only shared uplifting videos on Twitter along with the hashtag #LondonNeedsYouAlive.
He responded Wednesday, blaming “Tory cuts” and claiming the crime wave was “across Britain”. Crime is up nationwide, but knife other forms of crime are rising fastest in Mr. Khan’s London.
Speaking to the London Assembly, he also promised more money to support 1,000 new police officers and specific funds for “mental health work” and stopping violence against women. Funds are to be taken from London business rates and council tax hikes.
“Tackling rising crime will also require us to be tough on the causes of crime,” he added, promising £45 million for a new “young Londoners’ fund” for education, sport, and “cultural activities” aiming at helping “young people to thrive and fulfil their potential”.
Last month, Breitbart London reported that Mr. Khan had unveiled a £1.4m fund to tackle knife crime, largely going towards “community” meetings, clubs, and recreational projects, and including £6,400 given to a London Islamic Centre.
Our message to every young Londoner across our city – don't risk your future by carrying a knife.
Share this video and help carry a new message – #LondonNeedsYouAlive pic.twitter.com/AJkzSBprgR
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) April 3, 2018
The number of murders in London, which excludes terrorism, has risen by almost 40 per cent since 2014. A total of 37 were committed in the capital in the last two months. And in February, London recorded 15 murders, while 14 murders were recorded in New York.
