Air China magazine condemned over its 'racist' advice to London visitors

Air China's in-flight magazine has been criticised for suggesting that visitors to London should not go to areas where "Indians, Pakistanis and black people" live, for safety reasons.

Journalist Haze Fan was shocked when she flicked through the Wings of China magazine and found the supposed safety advice in the magazine, which also suggests that women do not go anywhere alone in the capital.

"London is generally a safe place to travel, however precautions are needed when entering areas mainly populated by Indians, Pakistanis and black people," the magazine says.

"We advise tourists not to go out alone at night, and females always to be accompanied by another person when traveling."

Labour MP for Ealing Southall Virendra Sharma said he has written to the Chinese ambassador to the UK demanding an apology for the "blatantly untrue and racist" statement.

He said: "I am shocked and appalled that even today some people would see it as acceptable to write such blatantly untrue and racist statements.

"I have raised this issue with the Chinese ambassador, and requested that he ensures an apology is swiftly forthcoming from Air China, and the magazine is removed from circulation immediately.

"I have invited representatives of Air China to visit my constituency of Ealing Southall to see that a very multi-cultural area is safe, and would be of great value for those visiting London to see," he added.

"I will await their response, and if an appropriate one is not forthcoming I shall feel forced to question whether Air China is a fit company to operate in the UK."

Since Sadiq Khan was elected Mayor of London in May, he has repeatedly praised the capital's multicultural population and diversity, saying that he believes it is his responsibility champion London and its inhabitants.

He said in July: "I take seriously my responsibility to defend London's fantastic mix of diversity and tolerance."