London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his dismay at the negative portrayal of London despite new statistics revealing a significant decrease in homicides. According to the latest data, the total number of killings has dropped to the lowest level in 14 years and is now the lowest per capita since records have been kept. Khan emphasized that despite naysayers, the facts paint a different picture.
In the past year, London reported the lowest murder rate per capita in history, the fewest murders among those under 25 this century, and one of the lowest homicide numbers in nearly 30 years. Khan credited the Metropolitan Police’s enhanced use of technology such as facial recognition and targeted gang interventions, resulting in an additional 1,000 arrests monthly. In 2025, there were 97 homicides in London, marking an 11% decrease from the previous year and the lowest tally since 2014, despite the city’s population growth by over 500,000 during that period.
London’s homicide rate stands at 1.1 per 100,000 people, significantly lower compared to other major cities like New York, Berlin, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Toronto. Khan highlighted the success in reducing violence, stating the city remains committed to ensuring the safety of its residents through various strategies.
The data also indicated that the Metropolitan Police achieved a 95% solve rate in homicide cases last year, showcasing their effectiveness in handling such crimes. Lib Peck, the director of London’s violence reduction unit (VRU), acknowledged the progress made in reducing violence and emphasized the importance of addressing online narratives to enhance public perception of safety in the city.
Recent remarks by Reform mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham, criticizing the safety of London, were countered by Khan’s administration and the VRU, who highlighted the extensive efforts made to prevent youth involvement in gangs and violence. Khan reiterated the success of the city’s comprehensive approach to tackling crime and its root causes, emphasizing the positive impact of sustained efforts.
Overall, the data reflects a positive trend in London’s crime reduction initiatives, with a focus on both enforcement and prevention strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.