Notting Hill Carnival: Organisers Reject Police Survey as 'Anti-Carnival Agenda

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A survey conducted by the Metropolitan Police Federation has sparked controversy after describing the Notting Hill Carnival as a "war zone" and "hell," with organisers strongly condemning its findings and intent. The survey, which sought the views of police officers, revealed that nearly 90% of respondents felt unsafe while working at the event, Europe’s largest street festival.  

 

 

Organisers of the carnival have rejected the survey, describing it as biased and lacking credible data. "It is quite clearly written with an anti-carnival agenda that the police federation highlights every year," said Notting Hill Carnival Ltd in a statement. The organisation accused the survey of being “driven by unsubstantiated quotes and little solid data, designed to create negative headlines.”  

 

The survey, which gathered responses from 486 officers, revealed that 28.78% of respondents reported being assaulted while working at the carnival, and 88.66% stated they had felt unsafe during the event. Officers described their experiences with phrases like “it’s a war zone we are sent into year after year” and compared the duty to being “lambs to the slaughter.”  

 

Notting Hill Carnival Ltd acknowledged the vital role police play in ensuring safety but questioned the scope and validity of the survey. "The survey returned views at best of just 7% of potential officers on duty, and much of it highlights concerns officers have about their general wellbeing at the event in regards to food and rest," the organisation said, framing these issues as management challenges for the Metropolitan Police rather than inherent flaws of the carnival itself.  

 

The Notting Hill Carnival, which attracts over a million attendees annually, began in the 1960s as a celebration of unity among west London’s immigrant communities. Despite its cultural significance, the event has often faced criticism related to public safety. According to the police federation, this year’s carnival saw two murders, eight stabbings, 349 arrests, and 61 assaults on officers.  

 

Simon Hill, deputy general secretary of the Metropolitan Police Federation, defended the survey, stating its purpose was to provide “concrete evidence of the experience of police at the event.” However, organisers of the carnival pushed back, asserting that the survey served to perpetuate negative narratives rather than offer constructive solutions.  

 

“The carnival community is tired of the police using Notting Hill Carnival as cover for their own issues,” the organisers said, emphasizing that the event’s challenges should not overshadow its rich cultural heritage and role in fostering community cohesion.

 

Based on a report by Sky News 2024-12-04

 

 

 

[RichardColeman]

New plan - any stabbings - its cancelled. Any sexual assaults - its cancelled. More than 50 arrests - its cancelled, any police assaults  - its cancelled. And Nottinghill must now pay ALL the police fees in advance every year, rather than the tax payer

[JonnyF]

"Mostly peaceful" stabbings, murders and assaults. 

 

Unfortunately The Met Police prefer scrolling through social media for "offensive" posts that they can use to intimidate innocent people under the guise of a "non crime hate incident". 

[Asquith Production]

2 hours ago, JonnyF said:

"Mostly peaceful" stabbings, murders and assaults. 

 

Unfortunately The Met Police prefer scrolling through social media for "offensive" posts that they can use to intimidate innocent people under the guise of a "non crime hate incident". 

Sorry to burst your perception. Most complaints  are from the public and referred to the Couner Terrorism Internet  Referal Unit (CTRIU). . Most people have been arrested under laws  made prior to social media for harassment,  malicious  communications,  stalking,  threatening  violence and incitement.  By the way I believe they also arrested the people for the murders.