The Conservative candidate running for London's mayoral position has faced backlash for labeling the iconic Notting Hill carnival as "dangerous" and suggesting its relocation,
while also implying there was a "problem with crime" in the black community.
David Lammy expressed his astonishment that someone vying for the role of London's mayor would express such offensive viewpoints. The shadow foreign secretary, hailing from London, responded to Susan Hall's statements just a week before the Notting Hill carnival, which attracts nearly 2 million people to celebrate Caribbean culture and community, the largest carnival in Europe.
Hall has persistently advocated for the carnival to be moved from its traditional location in Notting Hill, where it has taken place since 1966. In 2020, she characterized the carnival as a form of "vandalism" and questioned why it was allowed to continue in its current spot, given the challenges faced by the residents.
She previously attended the Notting Hill carnival in 2019 to better understand the police operation and expressed concern about the dangers involved. Upon the carnival's return after the Covid hiatus last year, Hall stressed the associated violence and costs of policing.
In 2019, she remarked that the carnival had grown too large and advocated for its relocation, despite acknowledging its significance. Hall's stance aligns with other proposals to move the event, including a suggestion by former London mayor Ken Livingstone to start the carnival in Hyde Park before proceeding to its customary venue. However, this idea was abandoned due to opposition.
The Metropolitan police federation also called for changes to the carnival's route last year, citing insufficient resources to effectively manage the event. The carnival has faced security concerns, with instances of violence and arrests.
A representative for Hall emphasized her stance against violence at public events and demonstrations while asserting her pride in celebrating London's diverse communities. Photo by David Sedlecký, Wikimedia commons.