President Donald Trump told the NRA convention on Friday that knife crime in London has gotten so bad, one hospital was like “war zone.” But the doctor who may have inspired that comment says the President missed the point entirely.
FBI crime data also shows London had a lower murder rate than every major American city in 2017 – in most cases, far lower.
Dr. Martin Griffiths, a trauma surgeon at London’s Barts Health NHS Trust, in April said colleagues who had served in the military likened the hospital’s daily case load — including an influx of children who were victims of violent crime — to that seen at Camp Bastion Hospital, in Afghanistan.
Trump appeared to repurpose that comment while speaking to 8,000 NRA members in Dallas on Friday, referring to the prevalence of knife violence in the U.K., despite the nation’s strict gun laws. Most guns were banned there in 1997.
“They don’t have guns. They have knives and instead there’s blood all over the floors of this hospital,” Trump said. “They say it’s as bad as a military war zone hospital … knives, knives, knives. London hasn’t been used to that. They’re getting used to that. It’s pretty tough.”
Shortly after Trump’s speech, Griffiths tweeted his disapproval. “Happy to invite Mr Trump to my (prestigious) hospital to meet with our mayor and police commissioner to discuss our successes in violence reduction in London,” he wrote.
Dr. Karim Brohi, a trauma surgeon at the Royal London Hospital and the director of London’s major trauma system, also said in a statement Saturday that, while knife violence is a serious issue in London, “to suggest guns are part of the solution is ridiculous. Gunshot wounds are at least twice as lethal as knife injuries and more difficult to repair.”
It is true, however, that London has seen a recent spike in knife-related crimes. Thirty-one of the 47 murders committed in London this year, as of early April, used knives, Reuters reported. That spike in knife violence has led to reports that London’s murder rate now outpaces that of New York City, a city of similar population — and, as Reuters reported, London did see more homicides than New York in both February and March of this year.
But despite the recent spike, the BBC notes that London remains safe compared to American cities. In 2017, London’s murder rate per 100,000 people was 1.2. New York City’s rate was nearly three times higher, at 3.4. Baltimore, the deadliest American city in 2017, had a murder rate more than 45 times higher than London’s, according to FBI data. San Diego, the big city with the lowest murder rate in the U.S., still had 2.2 murders per 100,000 people, according to an analysis from USA Today.
Data also suggests that, while U.K. homicide rates have risen over the past four years, they are still well below rates from decades earlier.
All the same, the U.K. has recently made efforts to curb knife violence, and forbids anyone from carrying a knife greater than three inches long in public “without a good reason.” In April, after the statistics comparing London and New York’s homicide rates were publicized, London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted that, “There is never a reason to carry a knife. Anyone who does will be caught, and they will feel the full force of the law.”
No excuses: there is never a reason to carry a knife. Anyone who does will be caught, and they will feel the full force of the law. https://t.co/XILUvIFLOW
— Mayor of London (@MayorofLondon) April 8, 2018
FAQs
In comparison to cities worldwide, London's crime index as of 2023 is 53.8, with a safety index of 46.2. This means London has a relatively moderate crime level compared to other major cities around the globe.
Which city is safer, New York or London? ›
Comparing Violent Crimes
This data tells us that London's violent crime rate is much lower than that of New York City, but what it doesn't tell us is the difference in population between the two cities. London's population is 8.98 million people compared to New York City's 8.623 million people.
Is it safe to live in London? ›
What you need to know about crime in London. According to The Economist's 2021 Safe Cities Index, London ranks 'high' and 'very high' across all five categories (digital security, health security, infrastructure security, personal security and environmental security).
Is San Diego safer than London? ›
In the year ending on March 31 2018, London had a murder rate of 1.8 per 100,000 people, including eight people who died as a result of terrorism. In comparison, San Diego in California, the safest of America's 50 largest cities, had a murder rate of 2.2.
Is London safe for US citizens? ›
Violent crime and gun crime rarely affect tourists, but take care in unfamiliar areas. Try not to walk through quieter areas alone, especially at night. You can find public advisories and information about recent incidents on local law enforcement websites.
Is London one of the safest countries? ›
London has been named one of the safest cities to travel to in 2024. The capital came out as one of the top on an annual list whittled down from 31 cities across the world curated by Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. London took the eighth spot, ahead of Tokyo and Paris.
Is London safer than Los Angeles? ›
The statistics indicate that London is far safer than Los Angeles. London is a much bigger city than Los Angeles, 8.8 million versus 4 million, but has only half as many murders. That means you are four times as likely to be murdered in LA.
Is London the safest city in the world? ›
London has been named one of the top ten safest cities in the world for visitors in 2024 in a new survey. The big city has a reputation for high crime rates and gang violence. But it is still considered by many foreign travellers one of the safest places to visit.
What is the safest city in the world? ›
The Latest Cities With Lowest Crime Rate In The World Statistics Explained. Abu Dhabi, UAE has been named the safest city in the world, according to Numbeo's 2020 index with a safety index of 88.46. According to Numbeo's 2020 index, Abu Dhabi, UAE has been designated as the safest city in the world.
Is knife crime increasing in London? ›
Police-recorded knife crime in London did rise by a fifth in the last year, and is up compared with when Boris Johnson left office, but it still remains below the pre-pandemic peak of 164 crimes for every 100,000 people.
London ranks fifth in the world 'most-stressed cities' league but we have some answers.
What is London's crime rate? ›
Annual crime rate in London region is 28.7 crimes per 1000 workday people as of April 2024. Compared to the national crime rate, London's rate is at 81%. Violent crime makes up 23.1% of all crimes reported in the region.
Is it cheaper to live in California or England? ›
Cost of Living Comparison Between Los Angeles, CA and London
You would need around 7,742.8$ (6,230.9£) in London to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 7,900.0$ in Los Angeles, CA (assuming you rent in both cities).
What is the safest side of London? ›
Still number one for London's lowest crime rate, Richmond is the safest borough in the capital. This perhaps isn't so surprising, since it feels more like a calm, welcoming village than a London borough.
Which part of London is the most safest? ›
SAFEST PLACES TO LIVE IN LONDON IN 2024:
- RICHMOND. This area was originally founded as a royal retreat in the 16th century and known as, Richmond-upon-Thames in South-West London and is one of the safest places to live in the whole of the city. ...
- BEXLEY. ...
- KINGSTON-UPON-THAMES. ...
- SUTTON. ...
- HARROW. ...
- BROMLEY. ...
- MERTON. ...
- HAVERING.
London 'a safer city' than Berlin, Madrid and Paris, says Sadiq Khan | News | Independent TV.
Is it better to live in or out of London? ›
The pace of life outside of London is much slower, and you're able to take advantage of more scenic surroundings. Lower cost of living and rent – You can get much more for your money when you're not paying rent in London, some are even able to buy a property much earlier when re-locating to the suburbs.
