Sadiq Khan has been attacked over his decision to celebrate the UK's relationship with the EU (Image: GETTY/PA)
The Labour mayor insisted the pro-EU extravaganza, funded by the taxpayer, was an “opportunity for us to celebrate the contribution made to our city by Europeans”. Remainer Mr Khan sparked fury across Britain when he chose to celebrate the capital’s “close relationship with Europe” during the traditional fireworks display, with outraged Britons branding the demonstration a “disgraceful ploy”. Just two minutes into the new year, Mr Khan announced “London is open” which was repeated in a range of different languages, including German, Italian, Polish, French, Romanian and Spanish.
A 11-minute soundtrack also featured a range of different songs by European artists including Stay and Don’t Leave me Alone and We are Your Friends accompanied the fireworks displayed.
The London Eye was even lit up to resemble an EU flag, using blue and yellow fireworks.
Mr Khan accused Westminster politicians of giving “the impression we’re insular, inward looking, not welcoming to Europeans” and the display would show the world “while they’re watching us, that we’re going to carry on being open-minded, outward looking, pluralistic” after the UK exits the EU.
Defending his decision on Twitter, Mr Khan wrote: Our spectacular #LondonNYE fireworks showed that whatever the outcome of Brexit -
