Fury has erupted over Transport for London (TfL) and Mayor Sadiq Khan’s decision to allow advertisements featuring controversial figures, including an Islamic preacher Musa Menk, known as “Mufti Menk” known for “spreading hate,” and a Russian fighter, Khabib Nurmagomedov, to appear on the city’s tubes and buses, while maintaining a ban on ads featuring foods deemed “unhealthy,” such as a simple slice of cake.
The controversial decision has drawn criticism from Londoners, politicians, and campaigners, who accuse TfL of blatant double standards. Critics argue that the transport body, which is under the jurisdiction of Mayor Sadiq Khan, seems more concerned with restricting ads that might encourage Londoners to indulge in a sweet treat than tackling inflammatory messages from figures known for spreading divisive rhetoric.
Among the ads in question is one featuring the Islamic preacher Musa Menk whose incendiary views have led to his banning from entering several other countries. The same preacher has previously been barred from entering the United States, Singapore and Canada due to his controversial statements, which have been labelled as “spreading hate and division.” Despite this, his face has appeared on posters across London’s buses and tube stations.
Equally concerning for many is the promotion featuring a Russian-linked fighter, which has appeared in several high-traffic stations. In the current geopolitical climate, with tensions high over Russia’s actions in Ukraine, critics are questioning why such an ad was allowed to appear on London’s public transport network.
Meanwhile, in a bizarre twist of priorities, TfL continues to uphold a ban on advertisements that promote foods deemed unhealthy, following a decision by Mayor Khan in 2019 to combat childhood obesity. This ban includes ads for high-calorie foods like cakes, biscuits, and even Christmas treats, under the belief that such images could encourage Londoners to consume more sugary foods and contribute to obesity rates.
Conservative figures and online commentators have lashed out at what they see as a glaring contradiction in TfL’s approach. One commentators tweeted: “So you can’t advertise a slice of cake in case it makes someone fat, but you can give a platform to a hate preacher? What planet is Sadiq Khan on?”
GB News commentator Adam Brooks added: “Outrage at Sadiq Khan’s TFL, as Islamic ‘hate’ preacher, who is banned in other countries & a Russian linked fighter advertise on tubes and buses… BUT, they can’t advertise a slice of cake, incase it makes you buy one & makes you fat… Mayor of London at TfL, you’re a disgrace.”
Sadiq Khan’s critics argue that the decision reveals misplaced priorities, with some accusing the Mayor of allowing a politically correct agenda to get in the way of common sense. A former Conservative MP said: “It’s shocking that TfL would allow ads from those who spread hate and division, yet ban a simple ad featuring a birthday cake. Londoners deserve better.”
A former London Assembly member, who has frequently clashed with Khan over his policies, also weighed in, demanding clarity on how TfL decides which ads are deemed appropriate. “Sadiq Khan needs to explain why he thinks an inflammatory preacher is more acceptable on our buses than an ad for a harmless slice of cake. It’s beyond belief.”
TfL has defended the decision, citing adherence to its advertising policy. A spokesperson said: “TfL’s advertising guidelines are designed to promote inclusion and reflect the diversity of London. We review each advertisement carefully to ensure it aligns with our standards.”
But this has done little to quell the backlash, with many Londoners left bewildered by the rationale behind what gets the green light. For everyday commuters, the row has raised questions about TfL’s transparency and priorities, with some suggesting that the Mayor’s office is out of touch with the values of ordinary Londoners with “Khan also often pushing his own agenda”.
The controversy over TfL’s ad policies is unlikely to disappear soon. Londoners and political opponents are sure to keep pressing for answers about why cake has been deemed a greater threat than divisive messaging on the capital’s iconic red buses and busy tube platforms.
Khan needs to be sacked, not fit for purpose. He can not be trusted.