Sadiq Khan to make fresh anti-Brexit rant and take swipe at Donald Trump

Sir is set to launch a fresh rant against Brexit today by telling EU diplomats it was a "mistake".

In a meeting with the EU ambassador and UK ambassadors of the 27 member states, the London Mayor will renew his backing for a youth mobility scheme.

The Labour politician, who has been embroiled in an ongoing war of words with Donald Trump, will also argue that strengthened ties with Brussels would help offset threatened tariffs by the US.

He will insist European allies must come together to tackle a series of "shared challenges" including "the rise of an intolerant and anti-democratic populism" and "tariffs posing a real threat to international affairs."

Sir Sadiq will tell the gathering in London: "I'm a proud European and of the view that Brexit was a mistake that continues to have a negative impact - not just on my city and country, but on the European community as a whole.

"I remain passionate about growing and improving our relationship across every area possible, and I believe this is essential if we're to effectively tackle a host of shared challenges - relating to trade, our economies, security, the environment and the rise of an intolerant and anti-democratic populism."

Without naming Mr Trump explicitly, he is expected to add: "Indeed, at a moment when we see trade wars and tariffs posing a real threat to international affairs, I'm convinced that we should be looking at what more we can do to strengthen our relationship as a counterweight to these trends."

Sir Sadiq will say he wants to look at ways to make it easier for schoolchildren from the EU to visit Britain.

He is expected to tell attendees: "As Mayor, I'm strongly in favour of a new youth mobility scheme.

"This would help to aid economic growth across Europe, but also give young Londoners and EU citizens important life experiences - like the opportunity to work abroad and learn more about our respective languages and cultures.

"As part of this, I'm keen for us to look at how we can make it easier for school children from the EU to visit the UK and learn more about our shared ties and history."

Sir Sadiq will praise the Government's drive to "reset" the UK's relationship with the EU.

He will add: "I will continue to make the case about the importance of deepening our ties and being bold when it comes to closer alignment.

"This includes my long-standing position on the benefits of the single market and customs union."

But Tory London Assembly member Susan Hall hit out at Sir Sadiq over his Brexit comments.

She said: "Whatever the Mayor may think, his Government have tried a second referendum platform and seen sense to instead accept the result that the public voted for.

"A Conservative government delivered on that result, and now the Mayor should be focused on trying to do the best for London in light of Brexit.

"Londoners want a Mayor who has their interests at heart, not one who's on an international farewell tour trying to be a statesman."

It comes as Labour has pledged to "reset" Britain's relationship with Brussels but has ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union.