Sadiq Khan rejects call to move Notting Hill Carnival

Sadiq Khan has rejected a request from the Government to move the Notting Hill Carnival from its current venue in the wake of the nearby Grenfell Tower tragedy.

Following a meeting with the London Mayor, Minister for London Greg Hands, who represents the nearby Chelsea and Fulham constituency, tweeted a letter which read: "The Carnival is an important and symbolic community celebration in our capital's calendar, and one greatly valued and enjoyed by both Londoners and visitors alike. Clearly it must go ahead.

"However, we have to ask ourselves if it is appropriate to stage a Carnival in the near proximity of a major national disaster. I would like you to consider moving the location, and/or the (Greater London Authority), with its experience of running major events, taking over the Carnival, in conjunction with the current organisers."

Mr Khan, however, said he would not find a new venue for the annual event, which is due to take place at the end of August.

"Notting Hill Carnival is a firm London tradition and incredibly important to the local community. It should not be moved," he tweeted.

The call to move the event prompted an angry response from some quarters, including from London rapper Stormzy, who called Mr Hands a "scumbag" for making the suggestion.

He tweeted: "Look at this scumbag tryna using the Grenfell tragedy for their 'get rid of carnival' agenda. We ain't buying it mate."

ITV News presenter Charlene White tweeted: "A community that once a year gets to celebrate their varied and wonderful cultures. And you want that MOVED? And you wonder why trust is low."