I would share your sentiment, but white people are still a majority in London and I would hesitate to say that the mayor of london is more powerful than cabinet minsiters like the Home Secretary and the Chancellor. It is one of the most prominent and visible for sure and it will be interesting having a Labour mayor with a Tory government and how antagonistic it might be. As others said, it's mainly about housing and transport. Neither of the mayors before has done much about housing so the main impact so far has been transport initiatives like oyster cards and boris bikes. Boris only ever called in developers scheme in planning to give them approval. Zadiq might be a bit different in this regard, but we'll see how it goes.
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Sadiq Khan first Muslim Mayor of major Western European city - London
- Thread starter milanbaros
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I would share your sentiment, but white people are still a majority in London and I would hesitate to say that the mayor of london is more powerful than cabinet minsiters like the Home Secretary and the Chancellor. It is one of the most prominent and visible for sure and it will be interesting having a Labour mayor with a Tory government and how antagonistic it might be. As others said, it's mainly about housing and transport. Neither of the mayors before has done much about housing so the main impact so far has been transport initiatives like oyster cards and boris bikes. Boris only ever called in developers scheme in planning to give them approval. Zadiq might be a bit different in this regard, but we'll see how it goes.
Rotterdam, where do I know that from?fuck you dirty English biscuit, Rotterdam is a major city
Hmmm.
Oh right, that's the place where Jackie Chan slid down that building, right?
Napoleonthechimp
Member
I am 99% certain there have been Muslim mayors of other European cities. That is certainly true of my own home city Leicester (which is one the best examples of positive multicultural integration in the UK).
But I suppose it's not major enough for you.
But I suppose it's not major enough for you.
I think they're Lord Mayors that were Muslim in Leicester in the past, which is largely ceremonial and not as big a deal as a political mayor. You've only had one Mayor of Leicester so far and that's Peter Soulsby.
Only Paris probably compares to London when it comes to being a world metropolitan city in Europe. This is huge. London was for a long time the world's financial and capital center, surpassed only by New York. Even more so that it is a son of a Pakistani bus driver. 70 years ago British were brutalizing Indians/Pakistanis and now their descendant is leading them as Mayor.
Napoleonthechimp
Member
Thank you. But I'm well aware of the political history of the city I was born in.
Come to Leicester some time and that latter point will not surprise you. It is one of the best examples of positive multicultural integration in the UK, and you're more than welcome to ask the communities here yourself.
But hey... London exceptionalism and all that. Nothing else matters.
cosmicblizzard
Banned
Some family friends that live in London are absolutely terrified this is going to cause an increase in antisemitism which was already on the rise. Not necessarily because of Khan himself but also based on the apparent open antisemitic views of some members in the Labour party.
She just being paranoid? Keep in mind I know absolutely zero about England politics or the party members beyond a few tweets I saw from a minute of Googling that didn't look too good.
She just being paranoid? Keep in mind I know absolutely zero about England politics or the party members beyond a few tweets I saw from a minute of Googling that didn't look too good.
Rubbish King
The gift that keeps on giving
Übermatik;202796103 said:
I wanna bitchslap the people that give this twat attention sometimes.
milanbaros
Member?
There is no need to be cruel. Please keep your comments civil.
Prophet Steve
Member
I guess that is one way things can go, but when we got a Muslim Mayor in our small little town called Rotterdam (seriously, wtf OP) things seemed to go pretty well even though there is plenty of opposition in the country. Although the situation in the UK may be a lot worse at the moment.
But I doubt it.
You know everyone loves Leicester right now, friends of mine from abroad now want to go see the place since it's been put on the map. I am confused about what's upsetting you though, the other guy is right your mayor isn't a minority.
I have to say that race really didn't feature that heavily until Zac Goldsmith made it one, which backfired speatacularly. He campaigned mainly on his not being priviledged background, son of bus driver and all that, compared with Boris or Zac.
Daffy Duck
Member
I'm intrigued by what you mean about positive multicultural integration in Leicester.
War Peaceman
You're a big guy.
Dude, Leicester is nice and all but it isn't fucking London.
Everyone knows London, this is a big deal.
Daffy Duck
Member
Years of sipping that Thames water.
Greater London is large enough, with a large enough population and economic and political clout, that it could essentially be a country, hence the significance of the mayor and the assembly and hence the significance of this achievement.
I love Leicester but "major European city"? No. Rotterdam, maybe, if you're being liberal as to what "major" is, but in the terms I laid out, no, it doesn't come close.
Leicester's in the Midlands. It's only "north" in the sense that it's north of London. London exceptionalism indeed.
I love Leicester but "major European city"? No. Rotterdam, maybe, if you're being liberal as to what "major" is, but in the terms I laid out, no, it doesn't come close.
Leicester's in the Midlands. It's only "north" in the sense that it's north of London. London exceptionalism indeed.
London and New York are unique - all the various studies done show that they are the only two 'world cities'. Cities so integrated and vital to the world economy that basically everything in some way links to them.
Most of those studies also put London ahead of New York actually, because it has a larger cultural impact and because whilst New York is the epicenter of finance for the worlds largest economy, London has a wider international finance aspect to it. Either way, both cities are unique in the role they play on the world stage.
Until the UK votes to leave Europe of course, at which point London is screwed... :-(
Spiral Insanity
Banned
The mayor of Rotterdam is muslim too, and a great man. Just in regards to the thread title.
The antisemitism row was mostly a way to unsettle Jeremy Corbyn (Labour leader). A lot of hot air and hyberbole.
The only Jewish person fearing the repercussions of Khan's victory is Zac Goldsmith. The knives are out for him from his own party.
I am guessing being anti-Israel is considered anti-semitism by them?
formasymphonic
Member
Congrats to Mayor Khan and London itself for overcoming attempts to let racial and religious tensions decide how London should be led.
Sadly though, I am disgusted (but not surprised) to see "Britain First" candidate Paul Golding turn his back during Khan's acceptance speech.
Sadly though, I am disgusted (but not surprised) to see "Britain First" candidate Paul Golding turn his back during Khan's acceptance speech.
cosmicblizzard
Banned
How does this party work in terms of relationships and support between party members. I assume it's obviously not a monolith, but would Khan be expected to support whatever Corbyn says and vice versa? Seems different than the politics I'm used to and Google is telling me A LOT of party members are getting suspended over antisemitic remarks (assuming those sources are reliable).
No, though seeing Israel compared to Nazis definitely doesn't make them feel welcomed and have been planning to get out for a while now, though that's more from actually being victims of hate crimes on more than one occasion recently and not related to who's in office. Now they just assume this will make things worse.
Not really. When Livingstone - the last Labour mayor was in office - he was often at total odds with the parliamentary party. Corbyn and Khan get along alright but they're certainly from different wings of the party.
I think most reasonable people think the antisemitism row was blown totally out of proportion by those eager to damage Labour in the lead-up the election - but the leadership is taking steps to make sure antisemitism in any form is stamped out and the party is effectively policed. Khan, to his credit, has been very vocal on the issue and is from a different wing of the party to the one implicated (i.e. Khan is a firm centrist; those suspected of anti-semitism are from the left).
Livingstone is by far the highest profile person suspected of anti-semitism, though he's basically a retired oddball - Labour's crazy uncle. Most others accused are weirdo activists in the lowest rungs of the party.
You will never, ever see a Labour politician campaign on an anti-semitic platform. Those suspected of prejudice will be immediately suspended and in all likelihood kicked out.
Khan's victory is a victory for those opposed to racism.
linkandzelda
Member
Yep, this correct so far as I see it. CosmicBlizzard, remember that minor things are always blown way out of proportion by opposition parties no matter where in the world you are, I'm sure you can think of multiple examples from your own set of parties.
chaobreaker
Member
Heh, I never heard of Britain's First before. Seem like a UK Trump party but without the charisma or the numbers needed to fall for their shit. Are they like UKIP?
Johnlenham
Member
Congrats to Mayor Khan and London itself for overcoming attempts to let racial and religious tensions decide how London should be led.
Sadly though, I am disgusted (but not surprised) to see "Britain First" candidate Paul Golding turn his back during Khan's acceptance speech.
who is the guy on the far right as well!?
First time my votes ever worked, I was chatting to a friend about the 2nd choice and figured it was to see how people leaned (or if something went horribly wrong and kahn had to step down?)
Interesting to see loads of people went to Green
linkandzelda
Member
They're worse than UKIP. They still say they're not racist but bloody hell, they are racist. Watch this if you want to find out more. I remember it being a pretty good documentary. Thankfully they get near zero support.
I believe that is Ankit Love of the One Love Party.
I was down in London last month and saw the Britian First broadcast, it was insane lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to_eZ87dtkg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to_eZ87dtkg
Johnlenham
Member
What people seem to be missing in this thread is that Khan was elected as mayor. That didn't happen in Rotterdam. It's absolutely massive that a Muslim can be elected mayor of one of the biggest financial capitals in the world. In a city that has only a 14% Muslim population (of which most are under voting age). Incredible day.
It's not unduly surprising. The "sensible" left-wing vote all went to Khan and those a bit further left still haven't forgiven the Lib Dems.
elrechazado
Banned
Who's the red shoes guy on the right?Congrats to Mayor Khan and London itself for overcoming attempts to let racial and religious tensions decide how London should be led.
Sadly though, I am disgusted (but not surprised) to see "Britain First" candidate Paul Golding turn his back during Khan's acceptance speech.
War Peaceman
You're a big guy.
It goes to show that a politician, holding a sensible campaign with policy that appeals to the middle ground can gain a lot of support from the voters who shy away from fear first tactics.
I wonder if Khan's party leader will be taking notes?
There's nothing to learn. If he pivots to the centre, nobody will believe him and he'll alienate his current support. Jeremy Corbyn means a certain brand of politics, now.
linkandzelda
Member
Already answered, Ankit Love of the One Love Party.
Ape Gone Insane
Member
#londonhasfallen is trending and it's not because people like the film.
Congrats to Mayor Khan and London itself for overcoming attempts to let racial and religious tensions decide how London should be led.
Sadly though, I am disgusted (but not surprised) to see "Britain First" candidate Paul Golding turn his back during Khan's acceptance speech.
Shameful behaviour but the response to this on Twitter is hilarious.
Seems like some Tories are furious wih Zac tactic to discredit Sadiq, will be interesting to see how this pans out, I don't think he's an islamaphobe, his nephews are British Pakistanis which makes his manouver against Khan even more puzzling.
Zac's campaign had few disasters before that and became increasingly desperate. I don't understanding him backing Brexit when London is probably the most likely of all places in Britain to lean towards Remain. He also have major gaffs when interviewed in a cab on BBC and appeared clueless when asked rather easy general questions about tube stations and a football team in the city. Then also claimed to be a 'fan of Bollywood' when trying to pander to the asian community and then couldn't name any bollywood film or actor. He was doing ok until the last few months.
Mattlikewhoa
Member
Congrats to Mayor Khan and London itself for overcoming attempts to let racial and religious tensions decide how London should be led.
Sadly though, I am disgusted (but not surprised) to see "Britain First" candidate Paul Golding turn his back during Khan's acceptance speech.
Jesus... Why be so childish?! I hope the media doesn't give him the attention he's seeking by doing this...
formasymphonic
Member
part of me doesn't think Goldsmith is anywhere near Britain First/BNP/UKIP tier, but his campaign management led him down that road believing that it would get them the votes they needed in the suburban boroughs.
They probably felt that the demography that normally voted Tory was going to end up losing votes to those other 3 and decided to court them using their same means. Regardless, he still went a long with it and played his part so shame on him.
I think the world has a real problem today where people have the social media outrage but do no action to actually fight something. Just glad to see that enough people saw it for what it is and actually chose to take a stand and vote against it.
On a sidenote: its funny to me that those BNP/UKIP/Britain First type organisations all pretty much believe similar things yet (thankfully) don't seem to be willing to join each other. but enough of the sentiment is there for me to feel that the Brexit vote is going to end up being much closer than anyone would think and that there will be a lot of tension after regardless of what side "wins"
LOL, they're gonna be so pissed when they see that.
Maybe it's because I'm not that far from the Netherlands, but I couldn't imagine someone not knowing where Rotterdam is if I asked them.
I guess people from eastern or southern Europe wouldn't know.
DiipuSurotu
Banned
People from outside of Europe also.
Some people couldn't even tell you the Netherlands is a country.
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