Khan responds to Green leader in Urdu during London Assembly session

London Mayor Sadiq Khan responded in Urdu to a question from Green Party leader Zack Polanski during a London Assembly session on September 17, 2026, in an exchange that referenced Polanski's recent Urdu campaign video for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. The incident occurred during Mayors Question Time at City Hall. Polanski, who is the Green Party candidate for the upcoming by-election, asked Khan about the potential impact of data centres on London's water and energy supplies. Khan initially answered in English but switched to Urdu for his follow-up remarks. According to a translation provided by the mayor's office, Khan said, "Peace be upon you. I was worried that you would ask the question in Urdu, but you asked your question in English." He added that he would be spending time in the Holborn and St Pancras constituency during the campaign and suggested they might meet there. Khan later explained his decision by saying, "I thought as the member is so proficient in Urdu that I would speak in Urdu," and jokingly apologised for his pronunciation. The exchange prompted laughter from other politicians in the chamber.