I will not let politicians like Susan Hall smear Notting Hill Carnival and Black Londoners  

I’m proud of this amazing and positive celebration (Picture: PA)

In the days leading up to Notting Hill Carnival, comments by the Tory London Mayor candidate Susan Hall re-emerged.  

She had called it ‘dangerous’ and said previously that there is a ‘problem with crime’ in the Black community. 

For a celebration that is now said to be the second-largest annual event of its kind in the world, it is many things – fun, exciting, bonding, tiring, anything but dangerous is nowhere near top of the list.  

The number of arrests at this year’s event was considered ‘broadly consistent’ with police expectations, given that nearly 2million people were estimated to flock to the event.   

I must be clear that no level of crime is acceptable – and much will go unreported – but to have some arrests from a minority of people is expected for an event of this size.  

Even Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley said this year’s crimes were due to a ‘small number of very dangerous people’ and that most people had a ‘fantastic’ time.  

So, if it is statistically a safe event, I can’t help but wonder why is it that Notting Hill Carnival is given such a bad reputation by some and often unfairly criticised by people in positions of power, like Susan Hall? 

Carnival was born out of struggle, protest and a way for the West Indian community to bond together.

Susan Hall has previously said that there is a ‘problem’ with crime in the Black community (Picture: Getty Images)

I’m proud of this amazing and positive celebration, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together with incredible food, music and great vibes. 

Why is it that big events like Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds Festivals, Creamfields, and large sporting events that often result in arrests and worse – sexual assault, violence and death – and their attendees aren’t painted as inherently criminal?  

I am horrified that the Tory Party would continue to back a candidate who can make such disparaging comments and not apologise

It is important that we ask our elected representatives (and Twitter trolls) why there is such a difference in reporting and attitude.

I would hazard a guess this could be because the audience is less diverse. The association with crime and blackness needs to stop! 

Our vibrant, inclusive, decades-old celebration, whose traditions are rooted in the struggle for civil rights, does not deserve to be tarnished by ridiculous and unfair claims. 

And Susan’s Hall’s insistence that Carnival should be moved to a park so it’s easier to police detracts from what the event is all about.  

That is why I led a group of Labour MPs in writing to the Conservative Party Chair, Greg Hands, last week to ask that Hall apologises and withdraws her comments. 

The celebration is now the second biggest of it’s kind in the world (Picture: Getty Images)

But, while I shouldn’t be surprised, she has since doubled down and described our complaints as ‘desperate smears’, accusing us of ‘gutter politics’. 

If she cannot see why her comments are wrong, it proves once again she is not fit to be mayor of our great city.  

And frankly, I am horrified that the Tory Party would continue to back a candidate who can make such disparaging comments and not apologise.   

Especially when our current mayor, Sadiq Khan, does celebrate all of the capital’s residents. The latest being Black on the Square, an event this coming weekend showcasing Black culture and creativity is being facilitated by Khan.  

I have no doubt it will be a fantastic day, but unfortunately I’m already seeing reactions online echoing Hall’s opinions about Carnival. That it will be ‘dangerous’.  

The truth is, far beyond these particular comments, there is an inherent focus in society on Black-led events and the supposed criminality associated with ‘blackness’. The constant search for criminality is dangerous and discriminatory.

As we have seen in so many contexts, this can be extremely problematic. We see it in policing, where people are unfairly discriminated against because of the colour of their skin. 

Society takes what it wants from Black culture, whether it be music, food or style – but often society doesn’t want Black people along with it. 

We have to stop prejudices spreading. We have to stop the spread of this misinformation in its tracks. That is why I penned a letter to her party. That is why I ask her to apologise.  

These attitudes are depressing, damaging, and Black people deserve better. From everyone, not least a mayoral candidate.  

For those who will inevitably accuse me of race-baiting for daring to speak up about racism and discrimination, as they always do, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee.  

Racism is bad for everyone.

I am horrified that the Tory Party would continue to back a candidate who can make such disparaging comments and not apologise. 

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