LONDON, ENGLAND – In the 2,773 days since Sadiq Khan was elected as the mayor of London, a staggering 1,008 homicides have been recorded, according to police estimates. This means that, on average, around 130 families have been torn apart by the loss of a loved one each year during his tenure. The numbers include 1,003 homicides up to the end of 2023 and an additional five in the first ten days of 2024.
The revelation has sparked accusations from critics who claim that Khan has failed to address the rising crime levels in the city. Despite the mayor’s office asserting that homicide levels have dropped to their lowest since 2014, the opposition remains unconvinced. Conservative mayoral candidate Susan Hall expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that over 1,000 lives lost in London under Khan’s leadership is unacceptable.
In response to the criticism, a spokesman for Khan emphasized the mayor’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Londoners. The spokesman pointed to significant government cuts to policing and youth services over the last decade, as well as a nationwide increase in police-recorded violent crime, as contributing factors to the challenges faced in addressing crime in the city.
Critics have also accused Khan of prioritizing other initiatives, such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansions, over tackling crime. The mayor has been accused of failing to provide significant funding for crucial police reforms, despite finding funds for other purposes, such as a substantial pay deal to avert a Tube strike.
The concerns raised around Khan’s record on crime extend beyond the numbers, with some pointing to the emotional toll it has taken on families. The mayor’s office insists that efforts have been made to invest in police and early intervention through the Violence Reduction Unit, resulting in a decrease in homicides, gun crime, and knife-related injuries among young people in London since 2016.
Despite the ongoing debate, the issue of rising crime levels in London remains a contentious topic, with both sides presenting opposing views on Khan’s handling of the situation. The impact of the statistics and the implications for the safety of Londoners continue to stir debate and calls for action to address the underlying causes of the city’s crime problem. Therefore, the effectiveness of Khan’s response to the issue remains a subject of intense scrutiny.