London misperceptions: Study reveals what Britons get wrong

A new study from the Policy Institute at King's College London reveals that Londoners have several inaccurate perceptions about their capital city. Despite London being one of the safest regions in England and Wales and ranking among the best globally, the public overestimates the likelihood of becoming a crime victim, underestimates the city's international standing, and often assumes it contributes little to public finances.

The study finds that London's Muslim population is significantly underestimated, with a third of respondents believing the city is nearly half Muslim. Additionally, a third of the public thinks there are "no-go" areas where Sharia law dominates. Political affiliations play a significant role in these misperceptions, with Reform UK supporters farthest from the truth regarding crime and the Muslim population, while Green and Labour supporters overestimate how White British London is.

However, the public correctly identifies some issues, like the rise in certain crimes since 2019, even if they mistakenly believe overall crime has increased. The study, based on two surveys of 2,164 and 3,969 adults conducted between March 23 and 27, 2026, shows that these misperceptions are closely associated with attitudes towards London's direction and how warmly people feel about the city.

Professor Bobby Duffy, the director of the Policy Institute, notes that London has become a focal point in national debates about crime, immigration, and the country's direction, often portrayed as in decline or dangerous. The study's authors emphasize the importance of correcting these misperceptions to foster healthy debate about the reality of London, as each individual tends to see a version of the city that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs.