Key information
Request reference number: MGLA300125-9217
Date of response:
Summary of request
It was reported in the press that the Mayor attended a commemoration event in Auschwitz, near Krakow in Poland on 27 January 2025. Apparently a number of world leaders attended including our own King Charles. There was a similar commemoration event in the Guildhall, London at the same time.
I have some questions
- Are the press reports correct that Mayor of London , Sadiq Khan attended an event in Poland on 27th January?
- If yes, was this in a personal capacity or an official capacity?
- If the visit was in an official capacity who attended with the Mayor and why and how much did this cost the taxpayer?
- Given there was an event in the Guildhall in London the Mayor's absence was evident (as there were no photos or newsreels of his presence), . What was the justification for missing this important event?
Our response
The Mayor was invited to join the official commemoration event in Poland to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in his official capacity as Mayor of London. The service was held at Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and Memorial on 27 January 2025, where the Mayor joined His Majesty the King, heads of state and political leaders from across the world alongside Holocaust survivors, their families and members of Jewish communities.
The Holocaust was one of the darkest times in history and a terrible example of what can happen when hatred is left unchecked. That’s why it's imperative Londoners and others around the world are able to learn about the appalling events which took place at Auschwitz-Birkenau and the other camps.
At a time of growing division and rising antisemitism and hate crime across the world, the Mayor is clear that it's incredibly important that we all now redouble our efforts to remember the past and make sure we learn from it.
The Mayor was accompanied by four GLA officials:
- Mayoral Director, Global and Community Relations
- Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Operations
- Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Communications
- Principal International Relations Officer
In relation to part 3 of your request, we do not hold the information within the scope of your request. We are waiting for invoices to be submitted and processed. Please note that the Mayor’s expenses are published at: Sadiq Khan - Expenses | London City Hall