Labour Against Antisemitism calls for investigation of London mayor after comments on Netanyahu

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been reported to a standards watchdog following his recent public statements characterizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "perpetrator of genocide." Labour Against Antisemitism (LAAS) leader Alex Hearn filed a formal complaint, alleging breaches of the Greater London Authority code of conduct, including violations related to "objectivity, honesty and community relations."

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his claim that Mr Netanyahu was a 'perpetrator of genocide' had not been determined by any judge or international body.

The complaint stems from an interview where Khan discussed the possibility of a UK arrest warrant for Netanyahu. Hearn argued that while the mayor is entitled to personal opinions, his assertion about Netanyahu's alleged actions had not been determined by any judicial or international body. LAAS cited the GLA code of conduct, which emphasizes fostering good community relations, noting that over half of UK anti-Semitic incidents in 2025 were connected to Israel or the Gaza conflict.

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emphasizes the need to foster good relations between different communities and Londoners with different characteristics.

A spokesperson for LAAS stated that the mayor's comments were not only misleading but also highly irresponsible in the context of rising anti-Semitic attacks against Jewish Londoners, many of which use Israel as a pretext. The group asserted that Khan's words undermined community safety, a responsibility he holds as mayor.

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the mayor's comments were not just misleading.

Hearn further commented that a statement from the mayor regarding who is welcome in London, especially when linked to a contested and legally undetermined accusation concerning Israel, could be perceived by Jewish Londoners as impacting their own standing in the city, regardless of the mayor's intent. The controversy highlights broader concerns about public discourse and the safety of Jewish residents in the capital.

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in that context, a statement by the mayor as to who is and is not welcome in London, attached to a contested and legally undetermined accusation bound up with the state of Israel, is capable of being received by Jewish Londoners as bearing on their own standing in the city, irrespective of the mayor's intention.