Sadiq Khan Mocks Zack Polanski In Urdu

London mayor Sadiq Khan mocked Zack Polanski by answering a question from him in Urdu.

It came after the Green Party leader, who is a member of the London Assembly, was criticised for posting a campaign video in the national language of Pakistan.

Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said it made him feel “uncomfortable”.

Tory shadow communities secretary Katie Lam went even further by describing Polanski’s video as “poisonous” and said campaigning in a foreign language should be banned.

In the video, Polanski introduced himself and encouraged voters to back him in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on October 8.

At mayor’s question time in the London Assembly on Thursday, Polanski asked Khan a question about data centres.

In a nod to the Green Party video, Khan answered in fluent Urdu.

According to a translation provided by the mayor’s office, he said: “Peace be upon you. I was worried that you would ask the question in Urdu, but you asked your question in English.

“I’ll be spending time in Holborn and St Pancras this week and I’m going to be there. Maybe we will meet there.”

Responding to the controversy over Polanski’s video, a Green Party spokesman said: “The Greens believe that democracy doesn’t discriminate by languages spoken. Many people are bilingual.

“Holborn and St Pancras is a true reflection of the diversity of London and of our country and we choose to embrace and celebrate that.

“If we want to speak to people who speak Urdu, it makes sense to speak to them in Urdu. We’re proud to reach voters in as many languages as possible”

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