Fact or Fiction: Sadiq Khan and the Sharia Law Controversy

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claims that London under his leadership was moving toward Sharia law, calling the accusations false and inflammatory. The controversy erupted after Trump addressed the UN General Assembly, describing Khan as a “terrible mayor” and alleging radical legal shifts in the UK capital.

Khan’s office and UK politicians have condemned the remarks as Islamophobic and misleading, highlighting the safety, diversity, and democratic values that define London under Khan’s administration.

Trump’s UN Speech Sparks Backlash

During his UN address, Trump stated:

“I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it’s been changed, it’s been so changed. Now they want to go to Sharia law.”

The remarks drew immediate criticism from Labour MPs and government officials, who argued that Trump’s statement misrepresented London’s governance and undermined the UK-US diplomatic relationship.

Labour MPs Demand Action

Labour MPs, including Rosena Allin-Khan and Rupa Huq, urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take action against the US administration. Allin-Khan tweeted that the US ambassador should be summoned over Trump’s “rampant Islamophobia,” while Huq called the statements “blatant barefaced lies.”

Wes Streeting, UK Health Secretary, defended Khan, highlighting his commitment to Pride, diversity, and improving London’s infrastructure, safety, and public services.

Khan’s Response and London’s Achievements

A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan stated:

“We are not going to dignify his appalling and bigoted comments with a response. London is the greatest city in the world, safer than major US cities, and we’re delighted to welcome the record number of US citizens moving here.”

Analysis from Khan’s office shows a 50% increase in US citizens applying for UK citizenship between April and June 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting growing confidence in London as a safe and inclusive city.

Khan has emphasized that London thrives on diversity and democratic values, and his leadership focuses on improving transport, safety, environmental policies, and public services, not religious law enforcement.

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The Broader Political Context

Trump has targeted Khan since 2015, after the mayor condemned Trump’s proposal to ban Muslim travelers from the U.S. The recent UN speech coincides with heightened diplomatic tension following Trump’s second state visit to the UK, which has already sparked debates over the balance between diplomacy and political criticism.

Khan called for openness and honesty in the UK-US special relationship, asserting that speaking truth to power is essential, particularly when rejecting politics of fear and division.

Looking Ahead

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between international diplomacy and political rhetoric. London’s leadership under Khan continues to be recognized for its focus on diversity, inclusivity, and public safety, while Trump’s statements have prompted UK politicians to scrutinize the impact of inflammatory remarks on bilateral relations.

SEO FAQ on Sadiq Khan & Sharia Law Controversy

Q1: Who is Sadiq Khan?

A: Sadiq Khan is the Labour Party Mayor of London, known for promoting diversity, public safety, and urban development.

Q2: Did Sadiq Khan try to impose Sharia law in London?

A: No. Khan’s leadership focuses on secular governance, diversity, and public services; claims of Sharia law are false.

Q3: What did Donald Trump say about Sadiq Khan?

A: Trump falsely claimed at the UN that Khan was leading London toward Sharia law and called him a “terrible mayor.”

Q4: How did UK politicians react?

A: Labour MPs, including Rosena Allin-Khan, Rupa Huq, and Wes Streeting, condemned Trump’s comments as Islamophobic and misleading.

Q5: Has London’s safety improved under Khan?

A: Yes, Khan’s administration has focused on improving transport, air quality, safety, and city infrastructure, making London a safer and more inclusive city.

Q6: How has the controversy affected UK-US relations?

A: The remarks created diplomatic tension, highlighting the challenges of balancing political rhetoric with international diplomacy.

Q7: Why are US citizens moving to London?

A: Many are relocating due to London’s diversity, safety, and inclusive governance, with applications for UK citizenship rising significantly since Trump’s presidency.

Q8: What is Khan’s stance on international diplomacy?

A: Khan emphasizes honesty and truth in UK-US relations while rejecting politics of fear, division, and misinformation.