As 'Brexit Day' arrives, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has praised the UK capital as a 'truly global, European city' and a beacon of 'progressive ideas, liberal values and for decency and diversity'.
The pro-remain Labour politician is keen to advertise London as a city that's in tune with many of the ideals and visions of the European Union that it's about to exit. 59.9% of London's voters opted to remain in the EU, in 2016's referendum.
Said Khan, "We will continue to welcome people from around the world, regardless of the colour of their skin, the colour of their passport or the colours of their national flag."
In particular, Khan aimed today's statement at the more-than one million Europeans living in London, and still facing uncertainty on their futures in the UK. "You are Londoners. You don’t just enrich our city economically, but socially and culturally too," said the mayor. "From our food and our fashion, to our innovation and our public services, you are pivotal to our city's success and one of the central reasons why London remains the greatest city in the world."
Khan's main rival in 2020's London mayoral race, the Conservative MP Shaun Bailey, agreed with Khan's sentiments about the capital's diversity, but chimed a different tone about Brexit. "Now is the time to move forward, unite the country and unite London," Bailey told Londonist, "Our city needs a mayor who gives everyone a stake in society, regardless of race, colour, creed, leave or remain."
"[Sadiq Khan] spent four years trying to stop Brexit, and now that it has arrived he doesn't have the vision or drive to make the most of the opportunities it presents.
"London needs a champion who understands the new world we find ourselves in. I plan to be that champion if elected as mayor in May."
A Brexit celebration, organised by Leave Means Leave, is due to take place in Parliament Square tonight, although there don't appear to be many details about it.
