Sadiq Khan faces backlash over £2.1 million 'woke' statues project

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has faced criticism for spending over £2 million of taxpayer money on a project aimed at diversifying public art in the capital. Established following the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, the Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm has cost £2,138,888, with a significant portion allocated to community grants. Critics, including members of the TaxPayers' Alliance and the London Assembly, have labeled the spending as 'woke nonsense' and argued that it distracts from pressing issues like rising crime rates and police budget cuts. The initiative has funded various projects, including memorials to anti-slavery campaigners and LGBTQIA+ history, but opponents question the necessity and timing of such expenditures. The funding breakdown includes £1,156,417 for the 'Untold Stories' grant program, which supports community-led projects. As the controversy unfolds, Khan's priorities in leadership are under scrutiny, with calls for a focus on more immediate public safety concerns.