London Safer Than Ever — Murder Toll Falls To 97, Undercutting Musk’s ‘Hellscape’ Narrative

New Metropolitan Police figures show London recorded just 97 homicides in 2025 — an 11% fall from the previous year and the lowest overall total since 2014. Measured per capita, the murder rate is the lowest on record; a journalist’s review of historical data even suggests this may be the lowest rate in centuries.

The Numbers

Data published by the Metropolitan Police on Monday confirm the 2025 figure of 97 murders, an 11% drop from 2024 and the smallest annual total in more than a decade. Analysts note the per-capita measure is particularly striking and, when placed in a long-term historical context, could represent a multi-century low.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has said that those “who spread lies and misinformation” about London simply dislike the fact the city is “liberal, that it is progressive, that it is diverse, that it is successful.” / Toby Melville/Reuters

Context: A Diverse Global City

London remains one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities: roughly 40% of residents were born outside the U.K. That diversity, civic leaders argue, runs contrary to claims that immigration and multiculturalism inevitably produce higher crime rates or weaker economic outcomes.

Public Debate And High-Profile Claims

Elon Musk and several far-right commentators have repeatedly warned that violent crime is rising in London and across the U.K., blaming policing priorities and "massive uncontrolled migration." Musk’s posts have included claims that authorities prioritize policing online speech over violent crime and that the country faces rising social unrest — comments he amplified in posts and a video address tied to a far-right rally in London.

Musk has repeatedly backed claims from UK far right figures like Tommy Robinson that the city and the country faces

At the same time, Musk’s platforms continue to host events in the city: X is set to host a 12-hour “Grokathon” coding event later this month, and Musk himself has been on record praising aspects of London, including its food scene.

Officials Respond

“Today, London has its lowest homicide levels in a decade, and the lowest ever per capita,” Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley wrote in The Times. “London is safer, and the progress we are making is saving lives, is measurable and independently evidenced.”

Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan added that critics who "talk London down" are contradicted by the data and said the city’s success reflects policies that are "tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime."

Public Perception

Despite falling homicide figures, public concern about crime remains high: an Ipsos poll from November found 87% of Britons expressed concern about crime nationally, while just 40% reported concern about crime in their local area — suggesting a gap between perception and local experience.

X/Elon Musk

What This Means

The latest statistics provide a clear rebuttal to claims that London has become a "crime-ridden hellscape." While debate around policing, migration and public safety continues, independent data and official statements point to measurable improvements in the city’s homicide rate.

Note: The Daily Beast has reached out to Elon Musk’s representatives for comment.