Sadiq Khan accuses Tory mayoral opponent of trying to spark 'crude culture war' over Notting Hill Carnival criticism

24 August 2023, 11:02 | Updated: 24 August 2023, 11:10

Sadiq Khan hit out at Susan Hall over the Notting Hill Carnival
Sadiq Khan hit out at Susan Hall over the Notting Hill Carnival. Picture: Alamy

By Will Taylor

Sadiq Khan has railed against politicians using "crude culture wars" after his Tory opponent in the upcoming London mayor elections called the Notting Hill Carnival "dangerous".

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Susan Hall has been criticised for her past comments about the festival, in which two million people are expected to celebrate Caribbean culture on the street this weekend.

She suggested it should be moved from the west London neighbourhood because it puts people there through "hell".

"I attended Notting Hill Carnival last year to understand the police operation," she said in a tweet in 2020.

"It was unbelievable, I don't think the public realise just how dangerous it can get. Astonishing that we should put our police in this position every year and the cost to the taxpayers is eye watering."

Read more: £20,000 reward offered after father-to-be, 21, stabbed to death at Notting Hill Carnival

She was criticised by figures including David Lammy, who said her views made her unfit to be mayor.

Speaking on LBC's Speak to Sadiq with James O'Brien, the mayor said: "These issues should be discussed in a nuanced, sensible way, and I worry when politicians and leaders talk in soundbites to try and get a round of applause or to appeal to a certain audience.

Watch Again: Speak to Sadiq on LBC | 24/08/23

Susan Hall was attacked for her past criticism of the Notting Hill carnival
Susan Hall was attacked for her past criticism of the Notting Hill carnival. Picture: Alamy

"I'm also worried… about crude culture wars.

"I'm somebody who feels like a pawn in these crude culture wars often.

"It's for my Tory opponent to explain her comments… I will be at carnival this weekend."

Read more: Susan Hall wins race to become Tory candidate to face-off against Sadiq Khan in London mayoral election

There were 209 arrests at last year's event, in which Takayo Nembhard was stabbed to death. A £20,000 reward for information has been posted by Crimestoppers almost a year on.

Nembhard, from Bristol, was a rapper who performed under the name TKorStretch. He was expecting a child with his partner, who has since given birth.

Notting Hill celebrates Caribbean culture
Notting Hill celebrates Caribbean culture. Picture: Alamy

A female police officer was sexually assaulted by two men but was unable to find the culprits because of how many people were there.

Hall, who is a member of the London Assembly, rowed back slightly in her comments after the criticism.

A spokesperson for her campaign said: "Susan is proud to celebrate London’s diversity and as Mayor, she will end Sadiq Khan’s divisive politics and bring people back together.

"All Londoners are real Londoners, no matter what Sadiq Khan thinks. Susan makes no apology for condemning violence at public events and demonstrations."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

What if Ukraine were the UK? Could you accept surrendering a fifth of our country to Putin after so much sacrifice?

What if Ukraine were the UK? Could you accept surrendering a fifth of our country to Putin after so much sacrifice?

Tranyelle Harshman, 32, of Wyoming, left her fourth daughter fighting for her life after going on a rampage at their home on Monday.

'She loved those kids': Husband breaks silence to defend mother who killed her children

Brothers Mohammed Fahir Amaaz and Muhammad Amaad arriving at Liverpool Crown Court

Brothers deny assaulting police officers in viral video at Manchester Airport

The bodies of Andrew Searle and his wife Dawn were discovered by a neighbour

Mystery deepens over British couple found dead in France as wife 'made appointments' before deaths

Freezing rain will hit the UK.

Rare freezing rain that poses risks for planes and downs trees will hit UK in days, warns Met Office

Kanye West had his account suspended after posting "I AM A NAZI."

Kanye West has X account reactivated after deleting anti-Semitic rant

The voice of Huw Edwards has been removed from an episode of Dr Who

Disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards erased from episode of Dr Who

Elizabeth Line train drivers will go on strike

Elizabeth Line train drivers to stage series of strikes amid pay dispute

Relatives and supporters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attacks, block Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv during a protest calling for the release of all hostages

Hamas backs down over Israeli hostage deal threat amid fears ceasefire will collapse

The largest of the Chagos islands, Diego Garcia, the site of a joint military facility of the United Kingdom and the United States

US makes last-ditch intervention in Chagos islands negotiations amid concerns China will benefit from deal

Police at the scene after the car crashed into protesters

Afghan asylum seeker arrested after car ploughs into crowd leaving dozens of people injured including children

Exclusive
'It's not a witch hunt, we want accountability,' Barnaby Webber's mother has said.

'It's not a witch hunt,' says mother of Nottingham attack victim as she calls for 'accountability'

A woman was charged £50 to bring a water bottle on a Ryanair flight

Woman 'charged £50 to take a water bottle on Ryanair' flight

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (L) shakes hands with British Defence Secretary John Healey, on the eve of a NATO defence ministers' meeting at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels

'Ukraine must be at the heart of talks with Russia', says UK Defence Secretary after Trump announces plan to meet Putin

Supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) demonstrate in Trafalgar Square

Woman who tried to gain asylum eight times allowed to stay in UK - after she joined terror group

Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton argues with Curtis Jones of Liverpool during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool.

Merseyside Mayhem: Four red cards handed out as Everton score late equaliser in last-ever derby at Goodison Park