London Mayor Sadiq Khan positioned the UK capital as a stable alternative for businesses and talent unsettled by political turbulence in the United States, CNBC reported.
Khan emphasised the city’s competitive advantages during Donald Trump’s second presidential term.
At a time of growing international instability, at a time when there are, let’s be frank, choppy political waters in the US, we’re that rare thing — somewhere that’s stable, that’s open, that’s diverse. A brilliant environment for innovation, creativity and business.
Despite historically acrimonious exchanges—including Khan’s 2019 description of Trump as “a poster boy for the far right” and Trump’s retort labelling Khan “a stone cold loser”—the mayor adopted a pragmatic stance. He acknowledged the necessity of separating personal views from national interests.
What’s important is for all of us to put aside our personal views when it’s in the national interest to do so… we can’t escape the fact though that there are some things that the president has said or done that are controversial.
This diplomatic approach aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s successful engagement with the Trump administration, which secured a recent trade deal averting punitive tariffs.
Khan also reported increased interest from American enterprises and individuals seeking alternatives, noting:
They’re our closest ally … so I don’t see America as competition, I see them as our great partner and long may that continue, but I recognise the reality of the last few months which is that some American businesses, individuals and people in different sectors who, for a variety of reasons, are looking for somewhere new.
He framed London as an ideal destination, highlighting its “stability, openness and diversity.” The mayor’s strategy leverages concerns over Trump’s volatile trade and immigration policies, targeting sectors including finance, technology, and higher education where visa uncertainties have disrupted talent pipelines.
The campaign reflects London’s broader effort to reclaim its status as a global business hub post-Brexit, with Khan directly contrasting the city’s progressive governance against Washington’s political volatility.
