World Athletics Championship 2017: Sadiq Khan delivers defiant speech praising London's openness

'London open to all, no matter colour of your skin, colour of your passport or colour of your flag'

Sadiq Khan praised the openness of London and said it was welcoming to all (PA)

Sadiq Khan has declared London is “open to all” during a speech to open the World Athletics Championship in what has been perceived by some as a criticism of the politics of Brexit and Donald Trump.

Speaking to the crowd in The London Stadium in the Olympic Park, the Mayor of London welcome the athletes and fans who had flocked to the city for the tournament and said: "London open to all, no matter colour of your skin, the colour of your passport or colour of your flag".

“It is fitting that this global event should take place in a city as global as ours. A city with an international heritage and an international outlook. For generations people have flocked to London from every corner of our globe. Enriching our society, our culture and our economy.

“This evening we honour that tradition of welcoming talent, hosting the finest anywhere on the planet right here in our city.”

He reflected on the fifth anniversary of London hosting the 2012 Olympic Games and said that “once again the world’s gaze is on our beautiful, diverse, open city”.

He said that the past few months had been “terrible” for the capital due to the string of terror attacks and the Grenfell Tower fire in which at least 80 people died.

He continued: “While our city heals tonight we show that in spite of everything we remain united.

“That those who seek to divide us, to destroy our way of life will never succeed and it is impossible to suppress the spirit and soul of this amazing city.

London stands as a beacon of equality and respect. A city admired across the globe for its inclusively and its openness and on this momentous occasion it fills me with immense pride to join you in reaffirming those values.”

His words are likely to be seen as an attack on the current UK government’s policy strategy regarding leaving the EU.

London voted overwhelmingly to remain in the European Union last summer and still remains in favour of free movement.

Mr Khan, who was elected in May last year, has been voice in his criticism of the Brexit negotiation process which has been ridiculed as arrogant and ineffectual on both sides of the Channel.

Last week, he said Labour could even still stop Brexit altogether if the Labour party campaign on a platform of not leaving the EU or offering a second referendum on membership at the next election.

He said if a new election is held before the Brexit negotiations are complete it would “trump” the outcome of the referendum.

But the speech was criticised by some, including right-wing shock jock, Katie Hopkins who claimed Mr Khan was effectively welcoming jihadists.

Others praised the speech, with journalist Jane Merrick highlighting the line about welcoming all regardless of the colour of their skin.