‘You are welcome here’, London’s first Muslim mayor tells EU citizens

We value enormous contribution you make to our city and it won't change because of this referendum, says Sadiq Khan

As Britain has voted to leave the European Union, fate of around three million EU citizens in the UK hangs in the balance. However, one man at least is determined to soothe some nerves.

“I want to send a particular message to the almost one million Europeans living in London, who make a huge contribution to our city.... You are welcome here," London’s first Muslim mayor Sadiq Khan said in a statement.

"We value the enormous contribution you make to our city and that will not change as a result of this referendum."

Whether he can deliver on this promise remains to be seen – London’s mayor does not have control of the city’s immigration policy.

His response, however, has the advantage of being politically expedient, as well as the right thing to do. London’s success as a world city has been built on its ability to attract workers from all over the world.



“I still believe our country is better off within the European Union, but there is no doubt that London will continue to be the successful city it is today. Our city and our country will continue to be the best place in the world to do business. And we will continue to look outwards and trade and engage with the entire world - including the European Union,” Khan said.

“We all have a responsibility to now seek to heal the divisions that have emerged throughout this campaign - and to focus on that which unites us, rather than that which divides us,” he said.

This article originally appeared on CityMetric