London Mayor Sadiq Khan has come under attack after it was revealed that the New Year’s Eve fireworks display celebrating EU nationals cost more than two million pounds.
Khan has been accused of “obsessing over Brexit” and these comments came from Conservative London Assembly Member Susan Hall during Mayor’s Question Time.
“On an evening that you should have brought people together you caused more controversy,” Hall said. “It seems you are totally obsessed, and you absolutely realised it caused controversy. I am surprised you did not realise this was divisive.”
However, Khan stood by the expense saying he was “bringing Londoners together” and that he was surprised that an assembly member was against showing the country was open to EU citizens.
Hall hit back saying Khan was taking his eye off the ball.
“You are completely obsessed with Brexit and it means you are taking your eye off the ball. Crime is up there and there is still a hole in TfL’s budget,” she said.
“When are you going to stop obsessing over Brexit and focus on what you are responsible for?”
Khan, who has called for a second referendum, created quite a stir earlier this month with his pro-EU fireworks display. As the fireworks went off along the Thames, the words “London is open” were said in English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Romanian and Spanish.
“We, in my opinion, are one of the greatest cities in the world; one of the reasons we are one of the greatest cities in the world is because of the contribution made by Europeans,” Khan said before the display. “I think diversity is a strength and I think what tonight is about is celebrating that diversity."
Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in northwest of London, in July 2024. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Crossbow murderer found guilty of raping ex-girlfriend
A 26-YEAR-OLD man who murdered three women in a crossbow and stabbing attack has been found guilty of raping one of them, his ex-girlfriend, a British court ruled on Thursday.
Kyle Clifford had previously pleaded guilty to the murders of BBC sports commentator John Hunt’s wife and two daughters at their home in Bushey, northwest of London, in July 2024.
The attack led to a manhunt before Clifford was found injured hours later in a north London cemetery.
A jury at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday convicted Clifford of raping 25-year-old Louise Hunt before killing her.
His sentencing for all the crimes is scheduled for Tuesday.
Clifford had admitted to murdering Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Louise and Hannah, 28. He had also pleaded guilty to charges of false imprisonment and possessing offensive weapons but denied raping Louise.
During the trial, the court heard that after killing Carol Hunt, Clifford waited for an hour before attacking Louise, tying her up, raping her, and then killing her with a crossbow. He later killed Hannah when she returned home from work.
The prosecution described Clifford, a former soldier, as committing a "violent, sexual act of spite" and said he was "enraged" after Louise ended their 18-month relationship. They told the court that he had "carefully planned" the attack.
Less than 24 hours before the killings, Clifford had searched for a podcast by social media influencer Andrew Tate, according to the prosecution. They argued that the murders were driven by the "violent misogyny promoted" by Tate.
Justice Joel Bennathan called Clifford’s crimes "dreadful" and "almost unspeakable".
(With inputs from AFP)