Political analyst and author Matt Goodwin has sparked a major online debate after his recent visit to London, where he shared a viral tweet recounting his personal experience in the capital.
The post, which has been viewed by over 12 million people, expressed deep concern over what he describes as London’s social and economic decline.
Goodwin’s commentary highlights issues ranging from public disorder and rising crime to demographic shifts and infrastructure challenges under Mayor Sadiq Khan’s leadership.
In his tweet, Goodwin noted several incidents during his trip: a £30 train fare from a nearby town; delays and cleanliness issues on public transport; being asked for money by homeless individuals multiple times; and a social misunderstanding on the Tube.
He also criticised poor English proficiency among some public-facing transport workers and the soaring cost of living in the city.
“London is over. It’s so over,” Goodwin wrote, citing broader concerns about safety and identity in the capital. “I was constantly aware I should not get my phone out on the street,” he added, referencing data that over 70,000 mobile phones were stolen in London last year.
Other statistics cited include a 54% rise in shoplifting offences, and the claim that there is now an alleged rape every hour in London.
Official figures also show a 14% increase in reported sexual offences against women and girls over five years, while homelessness and rough sleeping rose by 26% in the past year.
According to Goodwin, London’s current challenges are compounded by a significant demographic shift.
He notes that white Britons now comprise roughly one-third of the capital’s population, with only 22% of pupils in Greater London identifying as White British. In some schools, such as Kobi Nazrul Primary in Whitechapel, not a single student speaks English as a first language.
The proportion of Londoners born outside the UK is estimated at 40%, while close to one in seven identifies as Muslim.
Nearly a quarter of residents do not speak English as their main language, and over 320,000 are estimated to speak no English at all.
Citing these figures, Goodwin questioned whether such rapid demographic change is contributing positively to the city’s development.
He pointed to findings by Professor David Goodhart, who also warned of the cultural and economic impact of accelerated immigration.
He further referenced rising economic pressures in London, including an 85% increase in rent over the past 15 years, a 20% drop in home ownership since the 1990s, and sluggish earnings growth of just 21% during the same period.
London’s fertility rate, the lowest of any UK region, has dropped 30% in the past decade. According to Goodwin, this is another indication of people’s declining confidence in the city’s future.
The piece also notes the departure of 30,000 millionaires from London over the past decade and estimates by Thames Water that up to 600,000 undocumented migrants may be living in the city. While this figure is contested, it raises questions about integration, public services, and enforcement.
According to one Opinium poll, 25% of Londoners say they feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood.
Goodwin argues that the capital’s model of low-skill, low-wage, non-European immigration is unsustainable and is weakening both community cohesion and economic performance.
He contrasts the traditional image of the knowledgeable black cab driver with the growing presence of ride-hailing drivers who are unfamiliar with the city and dependent on GPS.
While critics view Goodwin’s tone as alarmist, his commentary has clearly resonated with many readers, reigniting debate over the direction and identity of Britain’s largest city.
