London Mayor Sadiq Khan Calls Brexit a "Real Blow" to the UK.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has described Brexit as "the biggest example of self-harm ever inflicted by a government." Khan believes that Brexit has dealt a significant blow to the UK, and he is critical of the decision to leave the EU. Despite this, London is hosting SXSW for the first time, and Khan is optimistic about the city's future.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has delivered a mixed bag of messages recently, with one hand criticizing Brexit and the other welcoming the city's tech future. Khan, known for his pro-business stance, has described Brexit as "the biggest example of self-harm ever inflicted by a government" [1]. He believes the UK has suffered significantly due to the decision to leave the EU. However, Khan is also optimistic about London's future, particularly in the tech sector, as evidenced by his opening remarks at the inaugural SXSW London event [2].

Khan's remarks about Brexit highlight his critical stance on the decision. He argues that the UK has endured substantial economic and political turmoil as a result. This perspective is consistent with his earlier statements where he blamed the Labour Party's Brexit position, along with anti-semitism, for their poor election performance [1]. Despite his criticisms, Khan has not shied away from promoting London's strengths, particularly in the tech industry.

The inaugural SXSW London, which opened on June 2, 2025, is a significant event for the city. Khan used the occasion to pitch London as a global tech hub, emphasizing the city's "pro-business, pro-growth and pro-freedom of expression" environment [2]. He also highlighted London's welcoming stance towards international students and its efforts to mitigate potential harms from AI and other technologies [2].

The event, which runs until June 7, features a diverse lineup of speakers and performers, including Idris Elba and Julian Lennon, as well as industry leaders from music, film, tech, and arts [3]. The conference is organized around six key themes, reflecting London's role as a leader in AI, robotics, and other emerging technologies [3].

Khan's stance on Brexit and his optimism about London's tech future present a nuanced picture of his leadership. While he is critical of the UK's decision to leave the EU, he remains focused on promoting London's strengths and positioning the city as a global tech hub. This approach underscores Khan's commitment to balancing political critique with practical economic development.

References:
[1] https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/sadiq-khan-says-voters-got-it-right-by-not-backing-labour-at-general-election
[2] https://variety.com/2025/film/global/sxsw-london-opens-sadiq-khan-trump-1236415335/
[3] https://www.billboard.com/lists/sxsw-london-2025-what-to-expect-from-inaugural-event/