Sadiq Khan's claim of a record low homicide rate faces criticism

Mayor Sadiq Khan cited Metropolitan Police figures showing 97 homicides in London in 2025, the fewest since 2014; critics say other offences such as shoplifting, phone theft and sexual offences have risen during his tenure.

Mayor Sadiq Khan highlighted Metropolitan Police figures this week showing 97 homicides in London in 2025, which he said was the fewest since 2014. He cited a homicide rate of 1.1 per 100,000 and compared London with other UK and international cities. Opponents and some commentators argue those figures do not capture everyday experiences of crime in the capital. The discussion comes amid reported rises in other offence categories during his time in office. What is reported: - The Metropolitan Police recorded 97 homicides in London in 2025, down from 109 in 2024 and described as the fewest since 2014. - The Mayor said London’s homicide rate is 1.1 per 100,000, and noted falls in teenage homicides and hospital admissions for knife assaults over recent years. - The Met reported nearly 95,000 shoplifting offences in the year to June 2025, a 38% increase on the previous year, and analysis showed about 117,211 phones were stolen in 2024. - 'Theft from the person' offences were reported at 99,079 in June 2025, a large increase since 2016. - Knife offences were reported at 15,639 in the year to June 2025 (up from 9,100 in June 2016), with a peak of 16,736 in December 2024; reported knife-related homicides and some hospital admissions have fallen. - The article cites a YouGov poll saying 61% of Britons view London as unsafe, while 63% of Londoners said the city was safe. Summary: The contrasting statistics have become a focus of political debate, with the mayor pointing to falling homicide figures and critics highlighting increases in shoplifting, phone theft and some other offences. Undetermined at this time.