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‘WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED’

London Mayor Sadiq Khan claims terror attacks are ‘part and parcel of living in a big city’

The Labour politician was reacting to the attacks on New York at the weekend whilst on a US tour

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

SADIQ Khan has claimed that terror attacks like the weekend’ bombings in New York are “part and parcel of living in a big city”.

The Mayor of London, whilst on a US tour, said: “We have got to be prepared for these sorts of things.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says terror attacks are "part of life" in a big city
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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan says terror attacks are "part of life" in a big cityCredit: PA
He was speaking after the attacks in New York, where he was visiting on a US tour
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He was speaking after the attacks in New York, where he was visiting on a US tourCredit: Getty Images

He told the  he had endured a “sleepless” night on Saturday after a device exploded in Manhattan's Chelsea neighbourhood, injuring 31 people.

Later that evening another one was discovered after it failed to go off, and another five were found at a train station in New Jersey.

After a firefight in which two police officers were shot, Afghan-born US citizen Ahmad Rahami was arrested and later charged with attempted murder.

He pitched the first ball at a New York Mets baseball game
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He pitched the first ball at a New York Mets baseball gameCredit: PA
He said authorities "have got to be prepared for these sorts of things"
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He said authorities "have got to be prepared for these sorts of things"Credit: PA

Speaking about the incidents Mr Khan said: “It is a reality I'm afraid that London, New York, other major cities around the world have got to be prepared for these sorts of things.

“That means being vigilant, having a police force that is in touch with communities, it means the security services being ready, but also it means exchanging ideas and best practice.”

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The London Mayor was in the United States on a business trip, visiting New York and Chicago, making his pitch for the capital.

And he made a pitch of a different kind as he threw the ceremonial first ball for the New York Mets baseball team.

Ahmad Rahami has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder after his arrest in connection with the bombings in New York
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Ahmad Rahami has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder after his arrest in connection with the bombings in New YorkCredit: AP
He was in North America "pitching" for London but he also dabbled in pitching of another kind
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He was in North America "pitching" for London but he also dabbled in pitching of another kindCredit: PA

He held a meeting with Major League Baseball chief Rob Manfred, and said he is “quietly confident” that the capital will host a game in 2018.

Plans to arrange one for next year were shelved, but Mr Khan said he was "really encouraged" by talks.

He added: "I’m keen to make London the sporting capital of the world.”

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