London Mayor Sadiq Khan Meets Sánchez in Madrid — Discussing Brexit Reversal and Shared Values

Khan Travels to Madrid for Talks with Sánchez

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan visited Madrid for a bilateral meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, justifying the unusual mayoral foreign visit by pointing to the approximately 100,000 Spanish residents living in London.

The two leaders covered a range of topics — from the conflict in Gaza and the rise of populism to the prospects of the UK rejoining the European Union. Khan emerged from the meeting with what a source close to him described as a deeply significant moment: hearing Sánchez reiterate Spain's formal support for Britain's return to the EU.

"Europe needs us and we need Europe," Khan said — a sentiment he has expressed repeatedly in public, having previously described Brexit as "the biggest act of economic self-harm any country's ever done."

Spain Backs UK Rejoining the EU

The Brexit discussion was the meeting's most politically charged element. Sánchez told Khan directly that Spain would welcome the UK back into the bloc — a position Spain has maintained consistently. A source close to Khan described hearing this as "incredibly powerful."

Khan has long argued that Brexit has cost London dearly, estimating the capital's economy could be £30 billion larger had the UK remained in the EU. He has named EU rejoining as his "ultimate goal" and believes it "will happen in my lifetime."

His position puts him at odds with the current Labour government under Keir Starmer, which has consistently ruled out rejoining the EU, the single market, or the customs union. However, some senior Labour figures — including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Business Secretary Peter Kyle — have declined to rule out a future customs union arrangement, and the government is preparing legislation enabling closer alignment with EU standards.

Gaza, Populism and Standing Together

Khan praised Sánchez for his willingness to address the conflict in Gaza at a time when, in Khan's words, "too many leaders are looking the other way."

Both men also expressed shared opposition to populism and to Donald Trump, agreeing that both London and Spain had "stood strong and refused to go along" with divisive political trends. Sánchez emphasised the importance of progressive cities defending democracy through affordable housing and social services — framing these as frontline defences against the far right.

Following the meeting, Khan posted on X: "Great to meet Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez in Madrid. At a time when too many leaders are looking the other way, it matters that we stand together. We discussed Gaza, Europe and the shared values that unite London and Spain. Progressive, internationalist politics is here to stay."

Barcelona Stop

Khan also met with Barcelona's mayor Jaume Collboni during the trip, expressing admiration for the city's climate change initiatives and its approach to urban policy.

The visit has drawn criticism in the UK from those who argue a Mayor of London has no formal foreign policy role. The meetings nonetheless signal the increasingly active international profile that major city leaders — particularly those of progressive political leanings — are cultivating in an era of nationalist retreat at the national level.

This article is based on reporting from The Olive Press, published April 30, 2026.