Sadiq Khan has entered the row over Air China’s “racist” tourist guide to London, insisting that the city is among the safest in the world and that its multicultural makeup is one of its greatest assets.
The airline’s in-flight magazine prompted indignation after warning visitors to the city that “precautions are needed when entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people”.
The mayor of London has now come to the defence of the capital, arguing that its rich diversity is something to be proud of. “London is one of the safest cities in the world and Londoners from different backgrounds living side by side is one of our greatest strengths,” said a spokesman for Khan.
Following the uproar, Air China issued an apology and pulled the offending edition. “The mayor is pleased that the magazine has now been withdrawn,” his office added.
Khan met Chinese business leaders on Friday morning when opening the first two all-electric bus routes for central London. The vehicles are made in Britain by a Chinese company, BYD, and British manufacturer ADL, although it is understood that the race row was not discussed.
The mayor also announced he was to create a new deputy mayor post with a brief to increase social integration in London – where more than 100 languages are spoken – with the aim of strengthening “the bonds between Londoners of every background”.
