Met Police Authority seeks police report on carnival

17/00
4 September 2000

There has been considerable press coverage in regard to the policing of this year’s Notting Hill Carnival. In a statement issued this morning the Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority said:

“I met the Acting Commissioner this morning to discuss the various concerns raised over policing and public safety at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival. It is the MPA’s responsibility to hold the Met to account for the policing of major events such as this, and we intend to do so.

“I have also had discussions with the Mayor and his advisors about the Carnival, and understand that the Mayor will be undertaking a wide-ranging review focusing particularly on public safety issues, having regard to location and the number of spectators involved.

“I have asked the Met for an early report on the wider policing issues for consideration at the next full meeting of the Authority to be held on 14 September. This will be an important element in the planning process for future carnivals and I will ensure that it is made available to the Mayor’s review so that policing issues are taken fully into account.

“This year’s Carnival was enjoyed by some two million people, but if the numbers are to continue to grow we need to make sure that the organisation of future Carnivals is reviewed to ensure that they are not only enjoyable but also continue to be by-and-large safe events.”

Notes to editors

The Metropolitan Police Authority took over responsibility for the Metropolitan Police Service from the Home Secretary on 3 July. The Metropolitan Police Authority held its first meeting on 26 June, 2000 at which Lord Toby Harris was elected Chair and Peter Herbert and Richard Barnes were elected Deputy Chairs.

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