London’s Mayor Khan: EU citizens are welcome in London

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan downplayed concerns that London will suffer in the wake of Brexit, telling CNBC in an interview that European Union citizens "are welcome" in the city and "that's not going to change."

Khan has vowed to “DEFY Brexit” by working on proposals for London-only work visas, not because he and the city’s business leaders believe this would help buttress its economy in the uncertain years ahead, but simply in order to “maintain the number of migrants entering London”.

He told CNBC that one of their main concerns is to continue to attract talent post-Brexit. Among other advantages, Britain is hoping to retain access to Europe's common market, which currently requires the country to allow free movement of E.U. citizens across borders.

"The key is to continue to be able to attract talent. Access to single market is important," he said when asked what concerns businesses have voiced to him. "It's also about a state of mind."

Khan, however, said U.K. businesses are optimistic about the future. "The good news is that the chief executives, the entrepreneurs, the investors I speak to are optimistic about London, mainly because of our people," he also said.