Sadiq Khan apologises to Chief Rabbi over Muslim faith claims

Sadiq Khan has apologised after accusing the Chief Rabbi of singling him out for criticism because he is Muslim.

The Mayor of London suggested in a YouTube interview with Mehdi Hasan, a prominent broadcaster, that he was targeted by Sir Ephraim Mirvis and other members of the Jewish community over his calls for a ceasefire because of his Muslim faith.

Mr Khan claimed that the Chief Rabbi and Jewish media outlets did not level the same criticism at Andy Burnham when the Mayor of Greater Manchester made a similar plea for a ceasefire.

The Mayor of London suggested the reason for the disparity was because “he’s not called Ahmed Bourani. He’s called Andy Burnham. Whereas I’m called Sadiq Khan”.

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“I’d ask those Jewish people to just pause and reflect on their response to me calling for a ceasefire. What motivated them to come out in the way they did against the Mayor of London and not the Mayor of Greater Manchester?” Mr Khan added.

The Labour Mayor of London issued an apology on Friday, writing on X that “the Chief Rabbi, along with other Jewish leaders, has been a friend to me, and we have worked hard together to unite our city and celebrate our diversity”.

In a statement, Mr Khan that “at times it is clear to me, and others, that as a Mayor of London of Islamic faith, I am held to a different standard and that can be frustrating – particularly during a divisive election campaign”.

“But, it wasn’t fair of me to have levelled that frustration at the Chief Rabbi. I am sorry for any hurt this has caused and will continue working with Jewish leaders to build a safer London for everyone,” he added.

The saga comes just days before the local elections next week and amid heightened tensions within the capital against the backdrop of ongoing protests.

Susan Hall, the Tory London mayoral candidate hoping to oust Mr Khan next week, told i it was “important we continue to bring communities in our great city together”.

Mr Khan had appeared to be responding to criticism levelled against him by Sir Ephraim in the wake of the 7 October massacre last year.

Writing on X, the Chief Rabbi said following a meeting with Mr Khan that he had told the London Mayor that “a ceasefire now would be an irresponsible stepping stone to yet more Hamas terrorist brutality”.

The Prime Minister’s deputy spokesperson declined to comment on the matter when questioned on Friday. She said No 10 was hopeful that a major protest against the Israel-Hamas war planned in London on Saturday would remain “a safe and welcoming environment for everyone”.

It comes amid increasing tensions between pro-Palestine protesters and the Jewish community in the capital. Prominent Jewish figures have claimed central London remains a no-go area at weekends following seven months of pro-Palestine protests.

No 10 said ahead of the latest march on Saturday that it was for the Metropolitan Police to “manage these events”.

The PM’s deputy spokesperson said the Met should “make sure that they are striking the right balance between ensuring that people are safe and can express their democratic views freely, but at the same time, it is also vitally important that London remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone”.

It comes as a poll published on Friday suggested Mr Khan’s lead against Tory rival Ms Hall has slipped as he seeks a third term as London Mayor in next week’s local elections.

With just one week to go until polling day, a Savanta poll for the Evening Standard put support for the Labour Mayor at 46 per cent, with his Tory challenger on 33 per cent.

The 13-point lead for Mr Khan marks his smallest since the candidates’ campaigns were launched, and suggests that while he is still on course for victory, next week’s results could be closer than anticipated.

Sir Ephraim has been contacted for comment.