Sadiq Khan wants special Brexit immigration deal for London

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has suggested the UK may end up not leaving the EU and insisted the capital would need a special deal on immigration if Brexit went ahead.

Mr Khan told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I am quite clear when it comes to us leaving the EU, if we do leave the European Union, there will have to be a new deal with the European Union."

Pressed on whether the UK could stay in the EU, Mr Khan said: "I think the goalposts have moved in relation to the terms of trade that the Prime Minister does with the European Union.

"If you remember, before the general election, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, was talking about no transitional period, not even having access to the single market, let alone being members of the single market. No customs union, and then the goalposts have moved."

Asked if there should be a second referendum on EU membership, the London Mayor said: “I think as things stand the referendum results are the referendum results. The British public voted to leave the European Union.

"There is a different conversation about did they vote to make ourselves poorer.

"I think the reality is the British public have voted in the referendum, it does appear as if we are leaving the European Union."

Mr Khan called for special treatment for London in negotiations with the EU on free movement of people.

"I think London is different to the rest of the country. Why? Because we are the only region to vote to remain in the EU. Why? Because not only do we need immigration, but we want it."