Grave concerns for Carnival

51/01
26 July 2001

Metropolitan Police Authority Chair Toby Harris today expressed grave concerns over the stewarding arrangements for the Notting Hill Carnival.

He said:

‘We have been assured time and time again by the Mayor’s office that stewarding arrangements would be in place in time for those stewards to be vetted and properly trained for Carnival. These issues are very difficult to deal with in the short amount of time left before Carnival and cannot be resolved overnight.

‘Unless the situation is resolved very quickly, we might have to warn people we cannot guarantee their safety at the Carnival. Without sufficient back up from stewards for the police, one unfortunate incident could escalate into a tragedy.

‘I will be speaking with the Mayor about this as a matter of priority.’

Commissioner Sir John Stevens confirmed that there would be a total of 8000 officers on duty over the two days of Carnival, which is 1,200 more officers than last year. However these numbers would not be sufficient without the 600 stewards the Mayor had guaranteed. Additionally, the Notting Hill Carnival Trust has not yet agreed with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea the number of floats that will participate in Carnival. This is crucial as the finishing time is determined by the number of floats, and consequently impacts on transport and safety planning.

Other operations are underway to ensure that this year’s Carnival is as safe and trouble free as possible for the million people expected to attend. The Commissioner also stressed that police would not be prepared to tolerate the kind of criminal activity and public disorder seen during last year’s Carnival.

Members agreed that although they had welcomed the Carnival Committee’s Interim Report and that progress had been monitored, the outstanding issues of stewarding and the number of floats which will be taking part, are both disappointing and frustrating. The GLA has provided the finance for the provision of 500 stewards, with a further 100 being provided by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, although as yet the stewards had not been appointed.

Concern was expressed strongly by all Members that police should not have to carry the blame, if events should deteriorate through the lack of proper organisation.

It was agreed that due to the complexity of Carnival, planning run up time should be at least a year in advance and that in future the MPA would ensure they receive regular reports and monitor closely the preparations for Carnival.

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback