London Mayor Sadiq Khan has come under attack after it was revealed that the New Year’s Eve fireworks display celebrating EU nationals cost more than two million pounds.
Khan has been accused of “obsessing over Brexit” and these comments came from Conservative London Assembly Member Susan Hall during Mayor’s Question Time.
“On an evening that you should have brought people together you caused more controversy,” Hall said. “It seems you are totally obsessed, and you absolutely realised it caused controversy. I am surprised you did not realise this was divisive.”
However, Khan stood by the expense saying he was “bringing Londoners together” and that he was surprised that an assembly member was against showing the country was open to EU citizens.
Hall hit back saying Khan was taking his eye off the ball.
“You are completely obsessed with Brexit and it means you are taking your eye off the ball. Crime is up there and there is still a hole in TfL’s budget,” she said.
“When are you going to stop obsessing over Brexit and focus on what you are responsible for?”
Khan, who has called for a second referendum, created quite a stir earlier this month with his pro-EU fireworks display. As the fireworks went off along the Thames, the words “London is open” were said in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Romanian and Spanish.
“We, in my opinion, are one of the greatest cities in the world; one of the reasons we are one of the greatest cities in the world is because of the contribution made by Europeans,” Khan said before the display. “I think diversity is a strength and I think what tonight is about is celebrating that diversity."
Kulsuma Aktergetty images
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