Met report on carnival welcomed by MPA

18/00
14 September 2000

Commissioner John Stevens this morning delivered the Metropolitan Police’s initial report on this year’s Notting Hill Carnival to the Authority. The Commissioner emphasised that the review had provided an opportunity to address major concerns regarding public safety which the Met has held for a number of years.

Following this morning’s meeting of the full Authority, during which the report was discussed fully, the Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority, Toby Harris, welcomed the report and said:

“The Authority is satisfied that the Police did not operate a softly, softly, non-interventionist policy. With an 84 per cent increase in arrests this is self-evident. The pre-planning was comprehensive and the deployment of the police officers, who were split into five teams to cover the entire disparate area, was designed to ensure a strong police presence at all key points throughout the busiest periods.

“But what the Authority believes is important to recognise is that the numbers that attended this year’s Carnival - at 1½ million - were greater than ever, presenting an enormous challenge to the Met and the organisers as well as to the safety of the public. There was also 27 per cent rise in the level of crime reported, which included the murder of two individuals. The Authority extends its heartfelt sympathy to the families of Greg Watson and Abdul Bhatti.

“Neither the Met nor the Authority are putting forward proposals as to the policing of future carnivals at this time, pending the Mayor’s review. The Authority will make the Met’s initial report available to the Mayor’s review team, as well as any future more comprehensive reports. Nicholas Long, an independent member of the Authority will represent the Authority and the policing interest on the Mayor’s review.

“The Authority fully supports the Carnival but recognises it is a victim of its own great success. For most people it is a fun event. What is now of the utmost importance is that the organisers’ and the Met learn whatever lessons they can from this year’s event and contribute fully to the review process. We must all make sure that the planning for next year takes full account of the lessons from this.”

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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