Sadiq Khan has joked about declaring independence for London before hinting at the UK rejoining the EU at some point in the future.
In an interview with the BBC, the three-time London Mayor quipped that he "likes the sound of El Presidente Khan".
Khan, who has been the Mayor of London since 2016, jested that he is "always tempted to unilaterally declare independence" for the capital.
He said: "I think it will be very difficult in the short term to even talk about rejoining the European Union.
Sadiq Khan does not see the UK rejoining the EU in the short term, but is hopeful for a return in the future
PA"In the medium to long term, yes, of course, I would like to see us rejoining the European Union."
However, Khan stressed that a referendum is "a once-in-a-generation vote" and does not see another one in the near future.
"I think we need to respect the will of the British public in 2016," the Mayor said.
In 2018, Khan was a vocal supporter of a second referendum on EU membership.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:He stressed that the UK does not have to be "just takers" if it rejoins the EU but can be "more makers".
Criticism has come the Mayor's way recently, despite being re-elected twice in 2021 and 2024.
A recent petition granting all UK residents permission to vote for the Mayor of London has received over 46,000 signatures.
The petition said: "Only people who live in Greater London are allowed to vote for candidates in the Mayoral elections.
Khan celebrated his ninth anniversary as London Mayor on May 9, 2025
PA"We think London carries so much influence across the globe, and the majority of UK residents have no say as to who 'heads up' and manages our great city, and we should. London belongs to us all."
Khan supported the Remain campaign during 2016 and attended a Britain Stronger in Europe campaign event with the Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron.
He insisted all EU citizens living in London were welcome following the UK's vote to leave.
In more recent times, he was the first Mayor of London to be awarded a knighthood for his political and public services.
