United Kingdom diplomats have been urged by London’s mayor to counter the rising tide of “fake news” about the capital, largely from US President Donald Trump.
The mayor told a news conference after meeting ambassadors, high commissioners, and diplomats that it was important to counter inaccurate claims that could sow fear and distrust of the city.
Trump, who has repeatedly criticised London over immigration, has declared crime is “out of control” in the city and that it seems to be on the march towards “sharia law”.
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The mayor dismissed these claims, saying that while no city is immune from problems, London is one of the world’s safest capitals, and safer, he added, than many big US cities.
He said recent statistics showed London had its lowest per capita homicide rate on record last year, as well as fewer crimes like phone theft.
He said such statistics need to be better promoted, especially through British embassies around the world.
Left unchecked, misinformation could have a negative impact on London’s reputation, the mayor said.
Misinformation, widely shared via social media, could deter visitors, investors, students and companies from setting up here, potentially affecting the city’s prosperity and cultural vitality, he said.
The UK’s diplomatic efforts, he said, should include more consistency and the facts to combat “propaganda”.
The aims of this, he said, are not just to protect London’s reputation, but to provide a factual account of London to the world.
The comments follow an ongoing feud between the mayor and Trump that started in 2017 when the US president’s policies were criticised by the mayor.
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