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Sadiq Khan faced criticism from Nigel Farage, Nick Ferrari and even members of his own party for not stepping up following rising violence in the capital. The London Mayor has now responded after Labour MP David Lammy admitted he had not spoken to the mayor despite four people being killed in his constituency since Christmas. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London told Express.co.uk: “The Mayor is shocked and angered by the violent deaths on the streets of London this year. “He is heartbroken that so many of those taken have been young lives – and his thoughts are with their friends and family at this difficult time.

GETTY London Crime: Sadiq Khan responded to criticism over London's rising violence

“The police are doing everything they can to catch those responsible and bring them to justice and patrols have already been stepped up and extra stop-and-search powers are in place in the worst-hit parts of London.” Responding to Mr Lammy’s comments, Mr Khan’s spokesperson said: “The Mayor’s door is always open to MPs who want to discuss vital issues in the capital and he frequently visits boroughs right across London to see what’s happening on the ground – and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Policing have been out with the police on knife sweeps this year. “Knife crime is an issue across London and the country – and one that the Mayor takes extremely seriously. “The safety of Londoners is his number one priority. “We are focusing all our energy and resources on bringing those responsible to justice and Sadiq refuses to accept that nothing can be done to stem the appalling tide of violent killings. He is determined to work ceaselessly to stop it.”

The Mayor is shocked and angered by the violent deaths on the streets of London this year Sadiq Khan spokesperson

The comments come after it was announced London’s death rate for knife and gun crime was higher than New York. Figures showed there were 23 murders in London in March, compared with 21 in New York. The cities have similar size populations and police forces. London’s death toll this year rose to 50 last night after a man in his 20s was stabbed to death in Hackney. The London Mayor had faced widespread criticism for not speaking out on the deaths. Speaking on the Today programme, Tottenham MP David Lammy said: “Look, I have had four deaths. I have not had a phone call from the Home Secretary. “I have not had a phone call from the Mayor. No one has come to my constituency. This is happening across London at large. Frankly, I am sick of the political football. What I want is a political consensus.”

The day Sadiq Khan was elected London Mayor Sat, May 7, 2016 All the best pictures from election day in the UK as SNP claim historic third win in Scotland. Play slideshow PA 1 of 38 Sadiq Khan sworn into office