Sir Sadiq Khan Slammed For Spending £2M On 'Woke Plaques' Amid Possible Police Budget Cuts

Londoners have expressed fury after learning that Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has allocated more than £2 million to what critics are calling 'woke plaques' and diversity-themed monuments, even as the Metropolitan Police faces a funding shortfall that could see thousands of officers removed from frontline duties. Many residents are now accusing the Mayor of neglecting core public safety obligations in favour of initiatives that, while well-intentioned, seem misplaced amid rising crime and economic strain.

'Woke' Art Traces Back to Khan

According to The Telegraph, the Mayor's administration funnelled £2,138,888 (some $2.7 million) into the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, a body he established in 2020 following the Black Lives Matter protests. The commission has supported plaques and artworks to commemorate underrepresented communities in London's history, including memorials to the victims of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and tributes to the anti-slavery campaigner Olaudah Equiano. It has also funded five rainbow plaques marking milestones in the capital's LGBTQIA+ heritage, part of a broader vision to ensure London's statues, street names, and landmarks better represent its diverse population.

Critics Question Priorities Amid Worsening Crime

While celebrating the city's cultural tapestry may be praiseworthy, opponents argue that now is hardly the time for multi-million-pound initiatives designed to 'right historical wrongs'. Susan Hall, a member of the London Assembly, blasted the Mayor for 'absolutely splashing our cash everywhere but on the police service', warning that a funding gap could lead to the loss of up to 2,300 officers and 400 staff. With crime figures trending upwards, Hall says London simply 'can't afford to lose them'.

Sir Sadiq, who succeeded Boris Johnson in 2016, has also faced growing criticism over the capital's rising crime rates. Official data indicate knife offences have surged by more than 50% since he took office, while violent incidents continue to plague many neighbourhoods. Critics, therefore, question whether pouring millions into plaques and memorials reflects misplaced priorities, particularly as residents grow more concerned about public safety.

Cultural Projects or Costly PR?

The Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, guided by a 14-member panel, has reportedly overseen some 400 new art pieces and events, as well as 159 plaques and information boards. A further £1,156,417 has been handed out through the 'Untold Stories' grant scheme, intended to highlight community initiatives that celebrate marginalised groups.

City Hall believes these efforts address what it calls a 'glaring gap' in how London's past is showcased, pointing to actions such as the removal of Robert Milligan's statue outside the Museum of London Docklands as proof that some monuments glorify figures linked to the slave trade.

While supporters say it is high time for a thorough re-evaluation of the capital's public realm, many Londoners remain on edge. They argue that symbolic gestures, however well-meaning, can feel hollow when the Metropolitan Police commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, warns of possible staff cuts due to budget shortfalls. Some point to the meteoric rise in living costs and rampant retail crime as evidence of more pressing needs.

Knives, Retail Crime, and Rising Fear

Reports indicate that retail-related offences in 2023 and 2024 reached their highest levels since 2001, with a staggering 2,000 violent assaults and over 55,000 thefts recorded daily—surpassing 20 million total thefts for the year. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, describes these figures as 'spiralling out of control', citing cases of employees being spat on, racially abused, or even threatened at knifepoint. Businesses now spend £1.8 billion annually on bolstered security measures such as CCTV, body cameras, and extra guards, yet many owners fear this is insufficient without comprehensive police support.

Fears Over Police Cuts and Bus Fare Rises

Per The Guardian, the bus fare cap in England will jump from £2 to £3 in 2025, compounding the financial strain on travellers already grappling with wage stagnation and inflation. Transport for London has also announced fare increases of nearly 5% from March 2025, taking daily caps to £8.90 in zones 1-2 and up to £10.50 in zones 1-3. Meanwhile, a single zone 1 Tube journey will climb to £2.90. Commuters say these rises come at a time when inflation has surged by 20.8% between May 2021 and May 2024, leaving households with dwindling disposable income.

Worse still, City Hall's share of council tax bills is predicted to hit nearly £500 by 2025, a 71% jump from when Sir Sadiq took office. Residents note that despite the extra burden, crime in various parts of London has continued to soar, leading many to question where exactly these tax revenues are being directed.

Rising Anger Over Council Tax and Inflation

As Londoners face higher living expenses, they are increasingly vocal about whether the Mayor's spending aligns with citizens' top priorities. Retailers warn that more staff layoffs could follow if crime remains unchecked, while consumers fear that the quality of public services could deteriorate. The looming cuts to the Metropolitan Police have only heightened anxieties, with some Londoners describing the situation as 'a perfect storm' of tax hikes, fare increases, and rising violence.

A spokesman for Sir Sadiq maintains that 'nothing is more important to the Mayor than keeping Londoners safe', insisting that record investment has been made in policing and youth opportunities, even as budgets are squeezed. He also credits the commission's efforts with boosting the visibility of women, disabled individuals, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQI+ figures in the capital's public spaces, stating that these projects 'help build a fairer London for everyone'.

However, the BBC reports that many Londoners remain unconvinced. They argue that lofty goals for historical representation do not absolve City Hall of its responsibility to ensure safe streets and financially sustainable public transport. With the spectre of police cuts looming, and a steep rise in everyday bills, questions persist about whether Sir Sadiq Khan's priorities truly match the urgent concerns of those who call the capital home.