Sadiq Khan pledges to ensure Notting Hill Carnival stays put after calls from Chelsea MP to move it following the Grenfell fire in West London
The London Mayor said it would worsen the already broken trust between the community and authorities
SADIQ KHAN has rejected calls to move Notting Hill Carnival from West London following the Grenfell tower fire.
The MP for Chelsea had asked the Mayor whether it would be right to have it in the area following the disaster which has left at least 80 people dead.
Greg Hands, who is also an international trade minister, said politicians must ask if it is "appropriate to stage a carnival in the near proximity of a major national disaster" in a letter to him.
The pair met earlier this week to discuss it.
Mr Hands said that the carnival, which takes place over the August bank holiday weekend next month, is an "important and symbolic community celebration" and that it is "greatly valued and enjoyed by both Londoners and visitors alike".
Around two million are expected to descend on the area with an annual festival of dancing, music and brightly coloured floats.
He said that the festival should go ahead, but that he wanted the Mayor to consider "moving the location" or for the Greater London Authority to help run it.
But today the Mayor officially rejected the calls, and said it would be a "mistake" when people in the area already have so little trust in the authorities.
But Labour MP for Hammersmith, Andy Slaughter, said today that it was "shameful to use Grenfell tragedy as an excuse" to try and move it.
A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan said: “The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world's biggest street festivals and has become a firm London tradition over many decades.
"It was born out of the African-Caribbean immigrant community in North Kensington and Notting Hill in the 1950s, and it's only right that this remains its home.
"Any attempt to impose a move to another location on the carnival, particularly at a time when the community has little trust in those in positions of authority, would be a mistake."
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The spokesperson continued: "Since Sadiq became Mayor, City Hall has provided enormous support to the organisers of the carnival, working closely with the Metropolitan Police, residents, local councils and experts to ensure everything is done to make this year's - and future years carnivals successful and safe. The Metropolitan Police will continue to review the policing plans for the carnival to ensure there is an appropriate policing presence to ensure the safety of carnival.
"It is only right that this year's carnival marks the terrible tragedy at Grenfell Tower and the Mayor will work closely with the organisers and the wider community to ensure they are consulted and involved in the planning for an appropriate commemoration."
Last week the Chair of Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust, Pepe Francis MBE, announces that the festival would "show the local community's solidarity and respect for the victims of the appalling fire at Grenfell tower" and that it would focus on providing joy and release through the music and dance.
"This year, the blackened marker of Grenfell tower casts a dark shadow over the joy and celebration of Carnival.
"We do not pretend to pretend solace. But we can, and will, offer respect and solidarity."
Some MPs in the area, and London Assembly Members, have said the festival should moved following increases in violence over the years.
Victoria Borwick, the former Conservative MP for Kensington, said last year: "What we all want is a safe and happy carnival and I just want to get people to start talking about its future.
"When is anybody going to be bold enough to ask how we are going to take this forward?"
Tony Devenish, Conservative London Assembly member for Kensington, said this afternoon: “The Mayor has the right to decide Carnival should stay in Notting Hill but residents are right to ask that Sadiq Khan ensures crowd safety with a quarter of a million revellers in a confined urban space.
"London Assembly members warned the Mayor of our safety concerns even before the Grenfell tragedy.”
And there has been a long-running campaign by locals for it to be moved to minimise disruption to people who live in the area.
Four people were stabbed and 45 police officers injured at last year's festival - and more than 450 people were arrested.
