London’s 2025 homicide rate is the lowest since records began in 1997, with 97 killings, despite political criticism of mayor Sadiq Khan
LONDON: Homicides in London last year fell to their lowest level since 2014, according to new police data released on Monday.
There were 97 homicides in the British capital in 2025, the lowest total for 11 years.
London’s homicide rate per capita was also the lowest since records began in 1997.
Mayor Sadiq Khan (pic) said the evidence showed a different story to his critics.
“It’s clear that our sustained focus on being both tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime is working,” he said.
Khan has faced fierce criticism from Conservative and far-right politicians, as well as figures like X owner Elon Musk, over criminality in London.
Some critics link the accusations to the mayor’s pro-immigration stance.
The Labour politician has also faced rising Islamophobic attacks on social media.
The Metropolitan Police said the statistics showed London was a safe place to live, work and visit.
Violent incidents resulting in injuries were down by a fifth since 2014.
NHS data showed hospitalisations from stabbings in London fell by nearly 30% in the last five years.
Police noted the per capita homicide rate was a record low despite a growing population.
They claimed it was lower than other major cities like New York, Paris, Los Angeles and Berlin.
The data release did not include figures for other crime types like thefts and sexual offences.
Anti-immigration Reform UK said fighting crime in London would be a priority for upcoming elections.
Its mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham said last week that London “is no longer safe”, particularly for women.
Phone thefts continue to be a problem, with 117,211 stolen in 2024, up 25% from 2019.
