London's new Muslim mayor denounces Trump

London’s first Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan, lashed out at Donald Trump today for his proposal to keep Muslims from entering the United States.

Following the attacks by Islamic extremists in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif. last November and December, Trump proposed a complete ban on Muslims coming into the United States. Many Muslim and human rights groups, as well as Trump’s Democratic and Republican rivals, condemned the proposal.

When asked Monday whether Khan could visit the United States under the plan, Trump told The New York Times, “There will always be exceptions.”

“Trump’s ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe,” Khan posted today on Twitter. “It risks alienating Muslims. London has proved him wrong.”

Khan, a member of the Labour Party and former human rights lawyer, was elected as mayor Thursday by a record margin after his Conservative rival Zac Goldsmith accused him of affiliations with Islamic extremists. Khan, the son of Pakistani immigrants, said in his victory speech he was proud London had chosen hope over fear and unity over division. London is one of the world’s most diverse cities, with 1 million of its 8.6 million residents identifying as Muslims.

After the Paris attacks, Khan said in a speech that Muslims had a special role to play in combating terror, “not because we are more responsible than others, as some have wrongly claimed, but because we can be more effective at tackling extremism than anyone else.” He has faced criticisms from some Muslim leaders because he voted in favor of same-sex marriage while serving in Parliament.

Trump said he was happy to see Khan elected and his election could be a good thing for the city.

“You lead by example, always lead by example,” Trump said. “If he does a good job, and, frankly, if he does a great job, that would be a terrific thing.”

Khan said he plans to meet with the mayors of New York and Chicago to go over some of the programs they are implementing, but he would have to visit prior to the inauguration in January if Trump becomes president.

“I’ll be stopped from going there by virtue of my faith, which means I can’t engage with American mayors and swap ideas,” Khan said.

Khan’s victory comes just ahead of the June 23 referendum to determine whether Britain will remain in the European Union. The British Chambers of Commerce said in a statement today 54 percent of senior business people said they would choose to remain in the EU, down from 60 percent in February. Those who support the spilt are up to 37 percent from 30 percent.

“I think leaving the European Union would be catastrophic for our city,” Khan told Time magazine. “I’m going to be a Labour mayor campaigning with a Conservative prime minister for us to remain in the European Union. It’s crucial going forward.”