London Mayor Sadiq Khan has unequivocally denounced former President Donald Trump, labeling him a “racist, sexist, homophobe.” Khan’s scathing remarks come in the wake of reports that the U.K.’s Labour Party has been making efforts to forge closer ties with Republicans in anticipation of a potential Trump presidency. However, Khan is adamant that the party should not “literally roll out a red carpet for a state visit.”
His stance stands in stark contrast to that of Labour’s foreign affairs chief, David Lammy, who recently traveled to Washington, D.C., and met with Trump allies, including Ohio GOP Senator J.D. Vance and South Carolina GOP Senator Lindsey Graham. Lammy has suggested that Trump was “often misunderstood” when it comes to policy, an assertion that Khan strongly refutes.
Khan’s criticism of Trump stems from a long-standing feud between the two men. In 2019, prior to Trump’s state visit to London, the former president referred to Khan as a “stone cold loser” and “very dumb.” In response to those comments, Khan remarked, “I’ve won three [mayoral elections]. How many has he won?”
Khan’s comments come as the Labour Party prepares for a U.K. general election in the coming months, with the party expected to return to power after 14 years in opposition. Lammy’s outreach to Trump allies has raised concerns within the party, with some members expressing worry about the potential consequences of appearing to endorse Trump’s divisive policies.
Khan’s forceful condemnation of Trump sends a clear message that the Labour Party must not compromise its values in pursuit of political expediency. The party must be unwavering in its opposition to racism, sexism, and homophobia, regardless of the political affiliations of those who espouse such views.
