Politicians have called on Transport for London (TfL) to remove adverts for Royal Brunei Airlines after the country introduced an anti-gay stoning law.

The Government of Brunei yesterday introduced a law that makes anal sex and adultery offences punishable by stoning to death.

Now Labour London Assembly Member Tom Copley has written TfL and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan -TfL’s chairman – asking it to take down adverts from state-owned Royal Brunei Airlines after being alerted to them by members of the public.

Mr Copley said: “I have been contacted by a number of constituents regarding adverts for Royal Brunei Airlines on the TfL estate.

“Royal Brunei Airlines is wholly owned by the Government of Brunei therefore I believe this advert contravenes TfL’s advertising policy.”

TfL’s advertising policy says an advert will not be approved if it is not socially appropriate or is inconsistent with the Public Sector Equality Duty – which includes “eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and other victimisation prohibited by the Act”.

Mr Copley’s letter added: “I would also ask that you consider urgently reviewing TfL’s advertising policy to consider the introduction on a ban on adverts from companies owned by governments with appalling human rights records.”

A spokesperson for TfL said: “The advertisement was considered compliant with our advertising policy when it was submitted and accepted.

“However, given recent information that has come to light, it is clear that this is an issue of great public sensitivity and controversy, so the advert will be removed from our network.

“Any proposed future campaign would be reviewed against our advertising policy, and this information would be considered in any decision.”

Other London Assembly Members also spoke out about the issue.

Green Party Assembly Member, Caroline Russell, said: “I’ve got questions in to TfL about whether it will now refuse Brunei tourist adverts on the underground.

“Expecting answers this afternoon or tomorrow morning latest. I cannot see how it is acceptable to accept adverts from a regime that punishes gay sex with death by stoning.”

Jennette Arnold, Labour Party Assembly Member, said: “Mayor of London they be allowed to advertise on TfL. Brunei is enacting a strict new penal code that imposes death by stoning for adultery & gay sex, despite widespread criticism.”

Ms Arnold then welcomed TfL’s response on what she called an “issue of great public sensitivity and controversy”.