Sadiq: A vote for Brexit would mean London turning its back on its history

Sadiq Khan has put forward a “patriotic” case for staying in the EU, arguing that London could swing the vote on June 23.

In his first major intervention on the referendum since becoming London Mayor three weeks ago, Khan said the choice about whether to remain an EU member was about values, and that it is “quintessentially British” to want to co-operate internationally. In a speech earlier today, Khan said that an outward-looking, pro-EU stance was “the London way”, adding: “A high turnout here in London, where support for remaining is strongest, could make all the difference.”

“It is our open attitude that helped to build our country,” he said. “It’s why London became the great city it is today. It’s why we attract the best and the brightest from around the world to make their home here.”

Khan claimed that voting to Remain would be a continuation of an historical tradition on which the success of London is built.

“The way we live now is the product of our long history and decisions made by the generations that came before us,” he said.

“It’s thanks to the choices they made that we can live and prosper in the successful country and capital city we have today. Now it’s our turn to do the same. Our generation now has one of those big decisions to make.”

“I believe that the true patriotic case is to remain,” he continued. “So voting to leave the European Union would be turning our back on our very history as a city, who we are and how we look at the world.”

The new Mayor also said that he believed the decision about something “more fundamental” than just economics, claiming that EU membership is “the best choice for Britain’s heart”:

“The choice we face is not just about the money in your pocket,” he argued, “it’s actually about something even more fundamental than that.

“It’s about the kind of country we want Britain to be. It’s about who we, the British people, want to be. It’s about our values.”

He added: “I believe that remaining in the European Union is the best choice for Britain’s heart, as well as for our head.”