Sadiq Khan Faces Backlash for Labeling Hotel Protesters ‘Extremists’

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, is under fire for referring to protesters outside migrant hotels as “extremists.” This comment has drawn accusations of smearing local residents and has intensified tensions surrounding the use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers. The backlash follows Khan’s announcement of new funding aimed at combating hate crimes, which many believe links the protests to rising intolerance.

The criticism was spearheaded by Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Philp MP, who condemned Khan’s remarks during a press briefing at City Hall. Philp stated that the Mayor is prioritizing labeling concerned residents over addressing their worries about the impact of asylum hotels in their communities. He highlighted the stark contrast between the current administration’s actions and those of the previous Conservative government, which saw a significant reduction in the number of hotels used for housing asylum seekers, from 398 to 213 in just nine months.

According to recent statistics, there are currently 32,059 asylum seekers housed in hotels, an increase from 29,585 the previous year. The situation has become a focal point of public discontent, with protests occurring frequently outside locations such as the Britannia Hotel in London. Community groups, including a collective known as the “Pink Ladies,” have expressed their concerns about unvetted male migrants being placed in their neighborhoods, emphasizing that they do not align themselves with far-right ideologies but rather seek to represent the interests of their communities.

As tensions rise, Khan announced a funding package of £875,000 for over 20 grassroots initiatives aimed at tackling extremism. This funding is part of a larger commitment of £16 million intended to support community groups across London. Khan emphasized the importance of fostering a city where diversity is viewed as a strength and where residents can feel safe and welcome.

“We are living in increasingly divisive and uncertain times,” Khan stated, adding that he is dedicated to collaborating closely with communities and law enforcement to promote safety and inclusion. Yet, critics have raised concerns about the timing of Khan’s announcement, particularly in light of a surge in hate crimes, including antisemitic incidents, which have reportedly reached record levels since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The Community Security Trust recorded 1,521 antisemitic incidents in the first half of 2025 alone.

Philp highlighted that Jewish Londoners have faced ongoing threats, noting that incidents of hate have increased significantly. He criticized Khan for being “missing in action” during this troubling period, pointing out that over 21,200 hate crime incidents were recorded in London over the past year, despite a slight reduction compared to previous years.

The Mayor’s office maintains that the funding is crucial to empowering communities to stand against hate and intolerance. Nonetheless, detractors argue that without adequate police funding—exacerbated by a £260 million budget shortfall facing the Metropolitan Police—the efforts may be insufficient. Earlier this year, the Met announced plans to close half its front counters and may be forced to reduce police personnel.

As the debate continues, the government has indicated intentions to see the closure of asylum hotels by the end of the current parliamentary session. The ongoing protests and community unrest highlight a deepening divide in London over the handling of asylum seekers and the broader implications for local communities.