Sadiq Khan rejects request to move Notting Hill Carnival
Sadiq Khan has rejected a request from the Government to move the Notting Hill Carnival from its current venue 'amid safety fears' in the wake of the nearby Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Minister for London Greg Hands, who represents the nearby Chelsea and Fulham constituency, tweeted a letter after meeting the London Mayor.
Mr Hands said although the Carnival is important, it would be appropriate to move it away from the nearby 'national disaster' of Grenfell Tower, where at least 80 people died in an inferno which ripped through the 23-storey block in west London in June.
Carnival spirit:Â Sadiq Khan has rejected a request from the Government to move the Notting Hill Carnival from its current venue in the wake of the nearby Grenfell Tower tragedy
Minister for London Greg Hands said although the Carnival (file pic) is important, it would be appropriate to move it away from the nearby 'national disaster' of Grenfell Tower
He said: 'The Carnival is an important and symbolic community celebration in our capital's calendar, and one greatly valued and enjoyed by both Londoners and visitors alike. Clearly it must go ahead.
'However, we have to ask ourselves if it is appropriate to stage a Carnival in the near proximity of a major national disaster. I would like you to consider moving the location, and/or the (Greater London Authority), with its experience of running major events, taking over the Carnival, in conjunction with the current organisers.'
But Mr Khan said he would not find a new venue for the annual event, which is due to take place at the end of August.
'Notting Hill Carnival is a firm London tradition and incredibly important to the local community. It should not be moved,' he tweeted.
The call to move the event prompted an angry response from some quarters, including from London rapper Stormzy, who called Mr Hands a 'scumbag' for making the suggestion.
But Mr Khan said he would not find a new venue for the annual event (file pic), which is due to take place at the end of August
Backlash: People condemning Mr Hands' tweet (above) included the rapper, Stormzy, who called him a 'scumbag'
Mr Khan (pictured) said: 'Notting Hill Carnival is a firm London tradition and incredibly important to the local community. It should not be moved'
He tweeted: 'Look at this scumbag tryna using the Grenfell tragedy for their "get rid of carnival" agenda. We ain't buying it mate.'
ITV News presenter Charlene White tweeted: 'A community that once a year gets to celebrate their varied and wonderful cultures. And you want that MOVED? And you wonder why trust is low.'Â
A spokesman for the London Mayor said in a statement: '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 attem pt 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.
A spokesman for the London Mayor (left) reinforced the rejection of Mr Hands' (right) idea, and said in a statement: 'The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world's biggest street festivals and has become a firm London tradition over many decades'
At least 80 people died in a fire which ripped through the 23-storey west London block in June
'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.'
The spokesman added 'it is only right' that this year's carnival 'marks the terrible tragedy at Grenfell Tower', adding that Mr Khan would 'work closely with the organisers and the wider community to ensure they are consulted and involved in the planning for an appropriate commemoration'.
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