Podcast Summary: Newscast — The Sadiq Khan Interview

Date: January 12, 2026
Hosts: Adam Fleming, Chris Mason
Guest: Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

Overview

In this substantive episode of Newscast, hosts Adam Fleming and Chris Mason visit City Hall in East London for an in-depth interview with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. The conversation covers major topics affecting London—from urban renewal and crime rates to social media regulation and the political narrative around the city’s image. The episode also delves into national Labour Party dynamics, Sadiq Khan’s views on relations with the EU, and the evolving role of technology and youth policy in governance.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. London’s Identity and Reputation

Timestamps: 01:10–03:13

• The discussion opens with the hosts riffing on the loaded perceptions of London—both as the UK’s capital and a world city.
• They highlight common narratives: London’s “outsized” influence, perceptions of crime, and political sparring (e.g., frequent criticism from Donald Trump towards Khan).
• Chris Mason:

  “London is a world city that happens to be the UK’s capital, doesn’t it?” (02:01)

• Adam Fleming points out the meme-like spread of crime stories, especially phone thefts.

2. Oxford Street Pedestrianisation

Timestamps: 03:13–06:08

• Sadiq Khan unveils plans for the pedestrianization of Oxford Street, seeking to revive it as “the nation’s high street.”
• His vision includes more greenery, public spaces, and a focus beyond retail to leisure, hospitality, and tourism.
• Notable Quote:
  Sadiq Khan:

  “We’re going to revitalize that street, we’re going to re-energize that street, we’re going to invest in that street, improve the public realm, plant some trees, green that street, get rid of cars and buses…” (04:32)

• Timelines: Consultation and phases will start “this year,” with initial phases from Oxford Circus to just past Selfridges. (05:52–05:56)

3. Crime Reduction and Public Perception

Timestamps: 06:08–13:18

• Khan announces record-low per capita homicide rates and significant decreases in youth and knife-related incidents.
• Credits London’s “public health approach”: enforcement, early intervention, violence reduction unit since 2019.
  • 44% reduction in young people injured with a knife admitted to hospitals since 2019.
  • London’s murder rate compared favorably to major global cities (two and a half times safer than NYC, etc.).
• Notable Quote:
  Sadiq Khan:

  “London is safer than Paris, Milan, Rome, Brussels, Berlin... two and a half times safer than New York, five times safer than Los Angeles, twelve times safer than Chicago.” (07:57)

• Critique of misleading narratives about London as dangerous, which he attributes to politicians and commentators with “distortions and untruths” and even a “racist undertone.” (09:20-10:15)
  • On social perceptions:
    Chris Mason:

    “So you think there’s a sort of racist undertone to this portrayal of London?” (09:30)

4. Phone Theft Issues and Enforcement

Timestamps: 13:18–17:19

• High phone theft rates: Just over 1% of thefts result in a conviction.
• Khan outlines multi-pronged strategy: Operation Reckoning targeting international gangs, doubling police in hotspots, pushing phone manufacturers for “kill switches.”
• Notable Quote:
  Sadiq Khan:

  “Many of the phones stolen end up in China or North Africa or other parts of the globe. These are international serious organizations, criminal gangs.” (14:25)

• Push for preventative design: “Why can’t the phone companies make stolen phones useless...?” (15:25)

5. Social Media, AI, and Regulation

Timestamps: 17:19–22:49

• Khan sees social media as both essential and problematic.
• Stresses that abusive environments discourage women and minorities from political careers.
• Praises the new Online Safety Act as a starting point, but calls for ongoing review, especially with the rise of AI-generated misinformation and deepfakes.
  • Describes own experience as an early deepfake target.
• Notable Quote:
  Sadiq Khan:

  “Regulation has not caught up with the pace of innovation around social media, the most recent incarnation being AI.” (18:17)

• Supports learning from international approaches (e.g., Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s); prefers to “copy well rather than invent badly.” (22:23)

6. Labour Party, Election Outlook, and Reflections on Leadership

Timestamps: 22:49–27:14

• Discussion of upcoming London local elections and Labour’s prospects.
• Khan recognizes mid-term losses are likely (“it’s not going to be easy for Labour”), but defends Labour’s recent progress in renters’ rights, childcare, trade deals, and more.
• Notable Quote:
  Sadiq Khan:

  “You don’t turn around a country that’s been in this perilous state for fourteen years in fourteen months. It takes time to do so.” (24:43)

• Khan urges focus on delivery over leadership drama, citing 2019’s dire Labour standings and Keir Starmer’s turnaround.

7. UK–EU Relations and Brexit Aftermath

Timestamps: 27:14–29:33

• Khan calls Brexit “the biggest act of economic self harm any country’s ever done” but accepts outcome, advocates for maximum alignment with the EU.
• Favors close economic links, supports existing and expanded trade deals, avoids calling outright for rejoining single market.
  • “It’s got to be in the best interest of the UK, both economically and culturally, and, by the way, socially as well.” (29:20)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On recent crime stats:
  “One homicide is one death too many. One violent crime is one victim too many." —Sadiq Khan (06:21)
• On perception versus reality:
  "Those that know London don’t accept that narrative, don’t accept that thesis." —Sadiq Khan (10:40)
• On youth and social media:
  "I’m a firm believer in copying well rather than inventing badly." —Sadiq Khan (22:23)
• On Labour's record:
  "We've now got trade deals with India, the USA, the European Union and South Korea. And I could go on." —Sadiq Khan (25:10)

Noteworthy Segment Timestamps

• Oxford Street Revitalization: 03:25–06:08
• Violent Crime Reduction & International Comparisons: 06:21–08:39
• Nativist Narratives & Racism Debate: 08:39–10:15
• Phone Theft and Enforcement: 13:18–17:19
• Social Media Regulation and AI Threats: 17:19–22:49
• Labour's Local Election Challenge: 22:49–27:14
• UK-EU Relationship: 27:14–29:33

Hosts' Reflection & Analysis

Timestamps: 32:03–39:43

• Chris Mason notes Khan’s “sense of injustice” at national and international narratives about London.
• Adam Fleming observes Khan’s loyalty to Labour leadership and the possible political fallout from upcoming elections.
• Discussion on Reform UK’s latest Conservative defector (Nadhim Zahawi), what it means for the party, and broader trends in party politics.

Tone and Language

The episode is filled with the familiar, thoughtful, and lightly humorous tone characteristic of Newscast. Khan’s responses are forthright, occasionally wry, and rooted in both pride for London and caution against complacency. Hosts maintain critical but friendly questioning, seeking specifics and pressing gently where needed.

For Listeners

• This episode is a masterclass in UK urban policy and political narrative-setting.
• You’ll walk away with both hard statistics on London’s crime landscape and nuanced insight into political gamesmanship, digital governance, and the Labour Party’s present and future.
• Whether you’re a Londoner or following UK politics from afar, it’s a comprehensive look at the state of the capital and its place in the world and the nation.

Listen for a full account of Sadiq Khan’s vision for London, the challenges of managing a global city, and the dynamic interplay between local leadership and national politics.