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The Mayor of London has faced a backlash from Brexiteers including a Tory MP who have accused him of 'politicising' London's New Year's fireworks display.

Sadiq Khan has found himself at the centre of a growing row after the London Eye was lit up to look like an EU flag at one stage in the sold-out extravaganza.

Shortly after the bells rang out for the arrival of 2019, Mr Khan tweeted: "Sending a message across the globe: London's diversity will always be our strength.

"Our one million EU citizens are Londoners, they make a huge contribution, and no matter the outcome of Brexit - they will always be welcome. Happy New Year, London."

And on the morning of January 1st, he wrote: "Our spectacular #LondonNYE fireworks showed that whatever the outcome of Brexit - #LondonIsOpen - to business, talent, ideas & creativity - and why London really is the greatest city in the world.

"To everyone across the globe: HappyNewYear"

New Year fireworks in London 12 show all New Year fireworks in London 1/12 Fireworks light up the sky over the London Eye PA Wire/PA Images 2/12 New Year celebrations in London PA Wire/PA Images 3/12 Fireworks above central London PA Wire/PA Images 4/12 The London Eye on New Year's Eve PA Wire/PA Images 5/12 Big Ben and the spectacular fireworks display PA Wire/PA Images 6/12 Crowds gather on the Embankment PA Wire/PA Images 7/12 Thousands turned out to see the display PA Wire/PA Images 8/12 Big Ben's chimes rang in the New Year PA Wire/PA Images 9/12 The London Eye was the focus of celebrations PA Wire/PA Images 10/12 Fireworks light up the sky at midnight PA Wire/PA Images 11/12 2017 got off to a spectacular start PA Wire/PA Images 12/12 London's amazing fireworks display PA Wire/PA Images 1/12 Fireworks light up the sky over the London Eye PA Wire/PA Images 2/12 New Year celebrations in London PA Wire/PA Images 3/12 Fireworks above central London PA Wire/PA Images 4/12 The London Eye on New Year's Eve PA Wire/PA Images 5/12 Big Ben and the spectacular fireworks display PA Wire/PA Images 6/12 Crowds gather on the Embankment PA Wire/PA Images 7/12 Thousands turned out to see the display PA Wire/PA Images 8/12 Big Ben's chimes rang in the New Year PA Wire/PA Images 9/12 The London Eye was the focus of celebrations PA Wire/PA Images 10/12 Fireworks light up the sky at midnight PA Wire/PA Images 11/12 2017 got off to a spectacular start PA Wire/PA Images 12/12 London's amazing fireworks display PA Wire/PA Images

But his tweets, and the content of the firework show, sparked an angry backlash from Brexiteers outside the capital.

In the 2016 Brexit referendum, most London boroughs voted to remain in the EU.

Across London's 33 boroughs, 59.9% (2.26 million) voted in favour of remaining in the EU. Some areas saw more than 70% of people vote Remain.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen told the Sun: “It’s low, it’s very low to politicise what is an international public event.

“It’s a betrayal of democracy and it’s what we have come to expect from a very poor mayor of London.

“Over three million EU citizens have decided to make the UK their home despite Brexit.

“I wish all our politicians had as much confidence in post-Brexit Britain as these people.”

One person wrote online: "Can't believe the London fireworks were politicised. What losers lol. Can't we just have some nice fireworks."

Another Brexit supporter wrote: "Am I the only person watching the London fireworks and feeling appalled at the way the fireworks have been hijacked by Khan and the remainer camp, disgusting use of public money! He's basically just shoved it in the faces of 17.4million people across the UK. How about we have a fireworks display to celebrate the UK!"

But others were supportive of the display. One person posted on Twitter: "What a great idea wish I'd been there. London is European and will remain. Go and enjoy your day rejoice in being part of Europe. Happy 2019"

Another person said: "They are London fireworks paid for by us Londoners and Sadiq is our Mayor. If he wants to tell the world that London is open for business good for him especially seeing how London contributes most to the economy it is a good idea."

The show began with the words 'London is open' spoken in seven languages on loud speakers.

'We Are Your Friends' and 'Stay and Don't Leave Me Alone' were among the songs chosen for the 11-minute soundtrack featuring musicians from across Europe.

As the song There For You, by drum and bass artist Culture Shock was played, the London Eye was lit up to resemble an EU flag.

Prior to the show Mr Khan also paid tribute to emergency services workers on duty on the night.

He wrote online: "Thank you to our police and security services, firefighters and support teams, transport, emergency service and NHS staff who are missing out on time with family and friends to keep our city safe and well tonight."

Mr Khan has previously expressed his support for a People's Vote on Brexit, and has expressed fears over the impact on London's economy on leaving the EU with no deal in place.

According to the Mayor's office, a net expenditure of £2.3m was approved for this year's fireworks display. Ticket sales raised around £950,000. It has been estimated that the fireworks will bring a £6.5m economic boost to London. The fireworks became a ticketed event in 2014 due to overcrowding concerns, with tickets sold for £10 each year since then.

Mr Khan said of the fireworks last night: "We, in my opinion, are one of the greatest cities in the world, one of the reason we are one of the greatest cities in the world is because of the contribution made by Europeans.

"I think diversity is a strength and I think what tonight is about is celebrating that diversity.

"Well one of the things which upset many, many Londoners and many people across our country and in Europe is the tone and language used by politicians in Westminster, giving the impression we're insular, inward looking, not welcoming to Europeans."

He said the fireworks display was about "showing the world, while they're watching us, that we're going to carry on being open-minded, outward looking, pluralistic".

"I hope that members of Parliament, members of the Government will see the fireworks tonight, will listen to the soundtrack and will reflect on what sort of country they want to live in post-March."