Over 400 arrests were made at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, that’s the highest number in more than a decade[1]. Offences included the stabbing of a police officer and an attempted murder.
The London Assembly Police and Crime Committee today questioned the Met Commissioner and Deputy Mayor about the policing and safety of this year’s event, as well as proposed budget cuts to the force.
Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, Metropolitan Police Service, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe QPM said;
“The Carnival’s got great tradition but it’s also got great responsibilities… We cannot continue to provide policing at that level…. Considering our financial situation, this is the time to draw the line…. It could be done cheaper and better…..Health and safety can be improved but we cannot take responsibility from the organisers. We’re writing to them about our concerns.”
Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), Stephen Greenhalgh said;
“The Greater London Authority (GLA) provides funding for the stewards…. We need a more effective stewarding operation…. There is not a huge pot of money to pay for more stewards….
We want it to be safe and something that people can enjoy.”
Chair of the Police and Crime Committee, Joanne McCartney AM said;
“We heard today about the scale of the funding cuts and that there needs to be a radical change in the way the Met polices events like the Notting Hill Carnival. In future, a greater degree of cooperation will be necessary between the organisers and the Met to ensure that costs can be mitigated as much as possible. This wonderful cultural event needs to continue its proud tradition but the crime levels are currently unacceptable.”
Other topics discussed included;
- Gangs – Shield
- Rape Case Handling
- Safer Neighbourhood Boards
The meeting can also be viewed via webcast.
Notes for Editors:
- MPS press release – September 2015.
- Joanne McCartney AM, Chair of the Police and Crime Committee is available for interview. See contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Mary Dolan on 020 7983 4603. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.
Notes to editors