It was a pleasure to read the recounting of the spirit of unity shown by Ken Livingstone following the 7/7 attacks (These words of defiant unity followed the horror of the 7/7 bombings. Imagine what we would hear today instead, 7 July). That sense of acceptance and solidarity is part of what drew me to London in the first place. I understand the frustration some feel towards the so-called “London bubble” or “metropolitan elite”, but this city remains a place where people from all backgrounds can feel celebrated and connected.
While I understand the point Hugh Muir makes in his piece, Livingstone’s message still resonates today with our current mayor. Sadiq Khan continues to champion London’s diversity as a source of strength. You can’t travel a stop on the underground without seeing a poster from the mayor’s office proclaiming: “You are welcome”.
He remains a leading voice for doing what he believes is right, whether through messages of unity or by pushing forward policies that may be unpopular, like Ulez, but ultimately benefit the majority of Londoners. Sadiq is by no means perfect, but at a time when Labour’s guiding compass appears to be crumbling under Keir Starmer’s weak leadership, it is heartening to have a mayor who still carries forward the inclusive message Livingstone delivered so powerfully two decades ago.
Jackson Bylett
London
• Thank you, Hugh Muir, for reminding me what we have lost in the last 20 years and that it is vital we do our utmost to build and celebrate diverse communities. Let’s display enthusiasm for and interest in others and – if we can’t do that – let us at the very least show tolerance for our fellow human beings. Despair and submission are not viable options.
Hilary Scarnell
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
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