GLA/2008/197

Saturday 15th March2 008 IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayor backs Polish community against Daily Mail

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has issued a statement supporting the London Polish community following the complaint by the Polish Federation against the Daily Mail to the Press Complaints Commission over its reporting on the Polish community in the UK.

Ken Livingstone said:

'The Polish community, like every other community in the capital, makes a vital contribution to London and has the right to be treated with the respect to which every Londoner is entitled.

'London's economic success and its vibrant social and cultural life are the result of it being an open city. This success is thanks to the waves of different communities that have chosen to live here and contribute to the city over centuries. The Daily Mail has a long and despicable record of vilifying the different generations of people who have made our city their home, whether they be Jewish, Black, Asian, Irish or, now, Polish. Our polls consistently show that, unlike the Daily Mail, Londoners enjoy their city's diversity and the dynamism it brings. As Mayor of London, I say to Polish Londoners welcome and thank you for the contribution you make to our great city.'