MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

London mayor calls on voters to try and halt a hard Brexit with a massive turnout in local elections

We need to send the Tory Government a clear message that we don’t want their extreme and irresponsible approach to Brexit, appealed mayor Sadiq Khan

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called on the capital’s 1.1 million EU nationals to turn out in force at next week’s local elections to try to halt a hard Brexit. Speaking ahead of campaigning in south London with Labour’s shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Khan said the Windrush scandal showed the Tories’ “divisive” stance on immigration.

The mayor said the controversy was a “wake-up” call regarding the Government’s “increasingly hostile” attitude to migrants. He said: “We need to send the Tory Government a clear message that we don’t want their extreme and irresponsible approach to Brexit – before it’s too late and the damage is done.

“An extreme hard Brexit risks jobs, growth and prosperity in London. These elections are Londoners’ last chance to have their say before we leave the EU – and the very first chance for some.

“I say to the 1.1 million EU citizens living in London, our friends, partners, neighbors and colleagues whose futures hang in the balance, you are welcome here.”

Sir Keir said: “The Tories’ chaotic approach to the Brexit negotiations is a significant risk to the jobs and prosperity of ordinary Londoners.