London Mayor Sadiq Khan is under fire as critics accuse him of prioritizing media appearances and political narratives over tackling the city’s rising crime rates.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has labeled Khan “the worst police and crime commissioner in England and Wales”, arguing that despite record funding for the Metropolitan Police, crime rates—particularly knife-related offenses—continue to soar.
With Londoners increasingly concerned about safety and policing, the debate over Khan’s effectiveness in crime reduction has intensified.
Why Are Critics Attacking Sadiq Khan?
Khan’s critics, particularly within the Conservative Party, argue that his focus on PR campaigns and progressive policies has come at the expense of real crime-fighting measures.
✔ Chris Philp (Shadow Home Secretary) stated:
“Sadiq Khan is more interested in chasing headlines than criminals. Under his leadership, only 4% of crimes in Londonare being solved.”
✔ Conservative MP Lee Anderson added:
“Londoners deserve better than a mayor who spends more time on TV than in crime strategy meetings.”
Key Concerns Raised by Critics:
❌ Rising Knife Crime – Fatal stabbings and knife-related offenses have hit record levels under Khan’s leadership.
❌ Low Crime Solving Rates – Only 4% of crimes in London result in charges—a statistic critics call “alarming.”
❌ Underperforming Police Force – Despite record-high funding, the Met Police continues to struggle with violent crime and gang activity.
❌ Overemphasis on Social Justice Campaigns – Khan has spent millions on diversity and equality programs, but critics argue that funding should prioritize law enforcement efforts instead.
Is London Getting More Dangerous?
Recent crime statistics suggest that London has seen a sharp rise in violent crime, particularly knife-related offenses.
📊 Knife Crime in London:
- 2023/24: 15,016 knife-related offenses
- 2022/23: 12,786 knife-related offenses
- Increase: 17% in one year
📊 Metropolitan Police Crime Solving Rate:
- Only 4% of reported crimes lead to charges.
- Burglary, car theft, and violent assaults often go unsolved due to police resource shortages.
Khan’s Response: ‘I Am Delivering for London’
Mayor Khan strongly rejected claims that he is failing on crime, arguing that his administration has invested heavily in policing and introduced measures that are already reducing youth knife crime.
✔ Khan’s Defense:
🔹 Increased Police Funding – The Met Police received a record £4 billion budget in 2024.
🔹 Tougher Stop-and-Search Policies – Despite criticism, Khan approved more stop-and-search operations targeting gang-related violence.
🔹 More Youth Programs – Khan claims his initiatives have helped thousands of young people stay away from crime.
✔ Sadiq Khan’s Statement:
“My priority is making London safer for everyone. We are already seeing a reduction in youth stabbings and are investing more than ever in crime prevention.”
Khan also pointed out that London’s crime rates must be seen in the context of national trends, as crime has risen across the UK—not just in the capital.
Political Battle Over Crime in London
The criticism against Khan is part of a larger political battle as London prepares for its 2024 mayoral election.
🔹 Conservatives argue that Khan’s leadership has made London less safe, citing the rise in knife crime and low conviction rates.
🔹 Labour supporters claim that government cuts to policing have hampered law enforcement efforts.
🔹 Some community leaders feel that both sides are using crime as a political weapon, rather than working towards real solutions.
What Londoners Are Saying
Public opinion on Khan’s handling of crime is deeply divided.
📢 Frustrated Londoner (James, 32, South London):
“I was mugged last year, and the police did nothing. Khan talks about making London safe, but it doesn’t feel that way.”
📢 Khan Supporter (Aisha, 27, East London):
“People forget that Khan isn’t in charge of the police directly. The government needs to do more to fund law enforcement.”
📢 Business Owner (David, 45, Central London):
“Crime is hurting businesses. We need stronger action—whether from Khan or the police, I don’t care, just fix it!”
Is Crime Khan’s Biggest Weakness?
While Sadiq Khan has focused on housing, transport, and environmental policies, crime remains his Achilles’ heel in the eyes of many Londoners.
✔ His supporters argue that investments in policing and youth programs will show results in the long term.
❌ His critics insist that crime is worsening now, and action must be taken immediately.
With the London mayoral election approaching, Khan’s record on crime may determine his political future.
Conclusion
Sadiq Khan’s leadership continues to divide opinion, with critics accusing him of being a PR-focused politician rather than a crime-fighting mayor.
With violent crime on the rise and only 4% of cases being solved, pressure is mounting for Khan to prove that his administration is making London safer—before voters decide whether he deserves another term.
For now, the battle over crime in London is far from over—and the debate will likely only intensify as the mayoral election draws closer.
FAQs
1. Why is Sadiq Khan being criticized?
Critics argue he is focusing on media appearances and social justice campaigns instead of tackling rising crime rates in London.
2. How bad is knife crime in London?
Knife crime offenses rose 17% in one year, reaching 15,016 cases in 2023/24, a record high.
3. What percentage of crimes in London are solved?
Only 4% of reported crimes result in charges, raising concerns about police efficiency and public safety.
4. What has Khan done to address crime?
✔ Increased Metropolitan Police funding
✔ Expanded stop-and-search policies
✔ Launched youth intervention programs
5. Will crime impact Khan’s re-election chances?
Yes. With elections approaching, crime is becoming a major issue that could determine whether Khan secures another term or is replaced.
