LONDON mayor Sadiq Khan has been blasted for spending £2.3million on his pro-EU New Year extravaganza.

The London Eye was turned into the EU flag by blue and yellow fireworks.

11 Sadiq Khan hopes that the event will 'show the world that London will always be open' Credit: WENN

The slogan “London is Open” was repeated over loudspeakers in seven languages, with Remainer Mr Khan saying he wanted to highlight our ties with Europe.

Songs such as We Are Your Friends, Stay and Don’t Leave Me Alone accompanied the fireworks.

Critics last night said the money should have been spent tackling violent crime in the capital, which has soared under Mr Khan’s watch.

Tory Charlie Elphicke warned: “Sadiq Khan needs to respect the referendum and move on to focus on London’s spiralling crimewave.

11 The display featured songs from European musicians and The London Eye was even lit up to resemble an EU flag

11 More than 100,000 spectators headed to London to watch the largest annual firework display in Europe

11 The incredible riverside display featured eight tonnes of fireworks Credit: Getty - Contributor

“Taxpayers’ money shouldn’t be spent on political stunts.”

Roger Helmer, a former Tory MEP who defected to Ukip, fumed: “While the UK is locked in critical negotiations with Brussels, Sadiq Khan chooses to display the other side’s flag on the London Eye.

“Would he have shown an Argentinian flag in the Falklands War?”

Mr Khan defended the move and said he hoped that the firework display would “send a message of support to the one million Europeans living in London”.

He added he hoped it would "send a message of support" to the one million European citizens for whom London is home.

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Twitter user 'xxjennyxxa' moaned:"Can't believe the London fireworks were politicised. What losers lol."

However, others thought the euro-themed bash was very appropriate.

'JennyNice' tweeted: "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."

However, Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: “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.

11 Tory MP Andrew Bridgen slammed the mayor Credit: Alamy Live News

11 Khan with organisers at the New Year's Eve fireworks display at the Embankment Credit: Alamy Live News

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

The display brought together more than 100,000 spectators to watch the largest annual firework display in Europe, which included eight tonnes of fireworks.

Big Ben returned to action for one night only to start the countdown after remaining silent for the year during renovation works.

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Mr Khan, said: “I’m proud that this year the millions watching around the world will see us send a message of support to more than one million EU citizens who call London their home.

“By paying tribute to our close relationship with Europe as we welcome in the New Year, we will once again will show the world that London will always be open."

He later tweeted a message saying the fireworks showed - whatever the outcome of Brexit - that London is the greatest city in the world.

New Year celebrations from around the world

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