London Mayor’s View on Trump’s Presidency and EU Reentry
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has expressed concerns about the safety of the UK under President Donald Trump, suggesting that rejoining the European Union might be a protective measure.
Khan pointed to the ongoing tensions among the United States, Israel, and Iran as part of his argument for rekindling a connection with the EU. In a recent interview in Rome with La Repubblica, he urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to prioritize rejoining the EU in the upcoming general election campaign, stating, “Labour must commit to rejoining the EU, no ifs or buts. Otherwise we will be crushed.”
He insisted, “The fate of Britain and London lies in the European Union. With Trump in power, this becomes increasingly necessary. Europe is our only source of security.” Khan voiced worries about the dangers of being independent, claiming, “How can we survive on our own with Trump imposing tariffs, engaging in conflicts, and creating an energy crisis? The U.S. is untrustworthy. Plus, with Putin’s aggression towards Ukraine, who’s to say he won’t target other countries?”
He also mentioned, “If we were part of the EU, we could see economic growth, more investment, and improved productivity. Ultimately, our best partners are in Europe, and for us Brits, that would mean greater security during these unpredictable times. And honestly, I’m still upset about Brexit.”
Khan has long used Trump as a counterpoint, shaping his international stance since their feud ignited back in 2015. This began when Khan criticized Trump’s call for a Muslim entry ban after the San Bernardino attack, labeling him as “divisive” and expressing hope for his defeat against Hillary Clinton. Trump, for his part, has derided Khan as a “ruthless loser,” blaming him for London’s issues with crime and terrorism.
However, it raises questions regarding Khan’s security rationale for wanting to rejoin the EU, given the UK’s existing NATO alliance with major European nations, which already ensures collective defense. Moreover, there’s doubt about whether Starmer could feasibly push for EU membership again, especially after being elected with a pledge to honor the 2016 referendum result.
Khan, intriguingly, seems to assert that Britain could be “united again” by reversing one of the largest democratic movements in its history. If the Labour party were to adopt this tactic, it might inadvertently bolster the campaign of Nigel Farage and his Reform Britain party, which has been leading in recent opinion polls.
So far, Downing Street appears uninterested in Khan’s proposition. A spokesman for the Prime Minister reiterated last week that leaving the EU was one of the “red lines” the government would not cross.
