I am deeply shocked and dismayed by reports that Mayor Khan has chosen to exclude any explicit reference to Christmas in this year’s Oxford Street festive lights display.
While the display of stars may be visually striking, the absence of the word “Christmas” or any traditional Christian imagery is a regrettable omission that has understandably upset many Londoners and people across the region.
Christmas is one of the holiest seasons of the Christian calendar and by far the most widely observed feast day by all British people across our country. It is s a celebration rooted in our Christian heritage, which has shaped the culture, institutions, and values of the United Kingdom for centuries. To omit this from our capital’s most prominent festive display, especially when other religious festivals such as Eid and Ramadan were marked with clear references, including crescent moons and greetings like “Happy Ramadan”, is both inconsistent, and risks sending a message that our own traditions are being sidelined.
Whether the Mayor of London likes it or not, Britain is a culturally Christian country. Our national calendar, our public holidays, our laws, constitution and our monarchy reflect this. To erase the name of Christmas is exclusionary, and totally contrary to the so-called inclusive message that he claims to espouse. It is gaslighting to suggest that stars alone suffice to represent a festival so central to our national identity.
I urge the Mayor to reflect on the importance of recognising all communities fairly and equally. That includes the Christian majority who expect their traditions to be honoured, not diluted.
Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
