London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a strong warning against rising anti-immigration sentiment in Britain, insisting that London stands as clear evidence of the economic and social benefits of migration.
Speaking at a Fabian Society event on Saturday, Khan criticised what he described as the growing demonisation of immigrants, urging political leaders to shift the national debate away from fear, hatred and exaggeration.
The mayor cautioned that London’s long-term economic ambition — projected to add £107 billion to the city’s economy by 2035 — could be threatened by declining levels of net migration. He said recent drops in visa applications were already raising concerns for the capital and the wider UK economy.
According to official figures, applications for health and care worker visas fell sharply in 2025, with about 61,000 applications recorded, representing a 51 per cent decline from the previous year. Skilled worker visa applications also dropped significantly, reflecting tighter migration controls.
Khan warned that reduced immigration could worsen the challenges of an ageing population and a shrinking workforce. He said progressives must lead a new conversation on migration based on facts and national interest, rather than allowing far-right narratives to dominate public discourse.
The London mayor also criticised political rhetoric in Europe and the United States, describing claims that diversity threatens civilisation as baseless and dangerous. He argued that similar messages were being echoed by far-right parties across Europe and by some political actors in the UK.
Khan rejected portrayals of London as a declining city, saying such claims were driven by hostility toward the capital’s diversity and progressive values. He described London as thriving, united and prosperous, adding that its success undermines anti-immigration arguments.
He further noted that recent policy changes, including restrictions on overseas care workers, higher salary thresholds for skilled migrants and limits on dependants for international students, have contributed to the decline in visa applications. Study visa numbers reportedly fell from over 618,000 in 2023 to about 447,900 in 2025.
Khan concluded by calling for a firm stand against narratives that portray immigration and diversity as harmful, stressing that London’s growth and resilience are rooted in its openness and multicultural identity.
