Reform MP Nadhim Zahawi Demands Army Deployment in London Amid Safety Concerns
Reform UK MP Nadhim Zahawi has controversially declared that it is time to send the army onto the streets of London, arguing that the capital no longer "feels safe" for residents. The former Conservative chancellor made the remarks during an interview on LBC radio, where he expressed personal fears about security in the city.
Zahawi's Personal Safety Fears and Army Proposal
When asked by host James O'Brien if he felt safe in London, Zahawi responded emphatically: "No, and I'm a big guy. I don't feel safe that my 13-year-old can walk in London - that can't be right." The 58-year-old politician went further, stating: "If I were Home Secretary I'd be calling the chief of police saying 'listen, if you need help we'll send the army in'."
Zahawi recounted a specific incident that heightened his concerns: "Yesterday I walked from my home in one of the most upmarket areas of London and an individual walked past me. I literally walked off the pavement into the middle of the road, kept a very close eye, at 8am. He just looked like he hadn't slept for a week and just looked like somebody that might be violent."
Official Crime Statistics Tell Different Story
These dramatic claims come despite official crime statistics revealing that homicides in London have reached their lowest level in a decade. The most recent figures show just over one unlawful killing (1.07) per 100,000 people last year, representing a historic low for the capital city.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has highlighted these positive results, stating: "The results speak for themselves - fewer lives lost, fewer families shattered. Every murder is a tragedy, but we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to drive down serious violence." Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes added that London "does not deserve the reputation which it is sometimes given," in what appeared to be a reference to recent international criticism of the city's safety.
Strong Criticism from Political Figures
London Mayor Sadiq Khan delivered a scathing response to Zahawi's comments, accusing him of being a "pound shop version of Donald Trump." Khan challenged: "Rather than trying to copy Donald Trump, why not talk about our capital city? We are the tech capital of Europe, the second biggest tech place in the world, cultural capital of the world, the music capital of the world."
The Mayor continued his rebuke: "Rather than talking our capital city down, why doesn't the Reform Party behave like true patriots and talk our capital city up instead of copying the ideas of Donald Trump? Think for yourself, man."
LBC Host Questions Zahawi's Credibility and Costs
During the interview, James O'Brien challenged Zahawi's proposal on practical and ethical grounds. The host pointed out: "If you want to bring in the army to do something in this country it costs the local council £4,000 per soldier per week. So you're calling for other taxpayers to pay that while you're on the hook for £5million to HMRC for avoiding paying your own share."
This reference relates to Zahawi's tax affairs, which resulted in him being sacked as Conservative Party chairman in 2023 after an ethics inquiry found he had failed to disclose that HMRC was investigating his taxes. He subsequently paid nearly £5 million to settle his tax affairs.
Zahawi's Additional Comments on Immigration and Integration
The Reform MP also used the platform to thank billionaire Jim Ratcliffe for his recent controversial comments about immigration, despite the remarks causing public outrage. Zahawi stated: "I thank Jim Ratcliffe because actually his misspeaking has raised the debate to a level where people like Nigel [Farage] are saying let's talk about this."
He continued with his views on integration: "You walk down the Edgware Road, walk down parts of Birmingham, you know, lots of parts of our country, I would much rather see, like my parents did, integration. Be proud of where you live."
Background on Zahawi's Political Defection
Zahawi's comments come shortly after his high-profile defection from the Conservative Party to Nigel Farage's Reform UK on January 12. This move surprised many political observers, given that Zahawi had previously branded Farage's vision for Britain as "frightening" and called the Reform leader "racist."
The former Tory MP has denied receiving any promises of a peerage or specific role in a potential future Reform government, describing himself as merely a "foot soldier" in his new party. However, Conservative colleagues have criticised his defection, suggesting he only switched allegiances after "begging" unsuccessfully for a peerage within his former party.
Police Response to Safety Concerns
The Metropolitan Police has been actively defending London's reputation following recent criticism from international figures, including former US President Donald Trump. Deputy Commissioner Jukes emphasised that the force would not "get involved" in political commentary but stressed that the crime statistics proved such criticism was unfounded.
Commissioner Rowley paid tribute to the "relentless work" undertaken to drive down violent crime in the capital, directly countering claims that London contains "no go" areas. The police leadership maintains that while every violent crime represents a tragedy, significant progress has been made in making London safer for all residents and visitors.
