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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday dismissed Donald Trump’s recent claim that efforts are underway to implement Islamic Sharia law in London, labeling it as “nonsense” and publicly defending London Mayor Sadiq Khan, which is a rare criticism of the U.S. president.
Earlier this week, Trump delivered a broad critique of European immigration policies at the United Nations, specifically pointing out London, suggesting “they want to go to Sharia law” and calling Khan a “terrible, terrible mayor.”
Starmer responded to ITV London, saying, “The idea of introducing Sharia law is nonsense, and Sadiq Khan is a very good man.” He emphasized that there are few issues he disagrees with Trump on, but this is one of them.
Sadiq Khan, who represents Starmer’s center-left Labour Party, was elected mayor of London in 2016 as the first Muslim to hold the position. He has since been re-elected twice, securing the largest personal mandate of any British politician.
The remarks made by Trump at the General Assembly mark the latest chapter in a long-standing feud with Khan, stretching back to at least 2017 when Khan criticized Trump’s pledge to impose a travel ban on several predominantly Muslim countries.
Despite their political differences—Starmer being a technocrat and self-described socialist, and Trump a famously unpredictable Republican—they have generally maintained a productive working relationship.
Trump’s comments came just a week after he praised the US-UK relationship during an unprecedented second state visit, which featured royal ceremonies, a carriage tour, and a formal white-tie banquet.
Khan accused Trump of being “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic” in response to the recent comments, highlighting data that indicates a record number of Americans are choosing to settle in Britain.
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