A GOVERNMENT request to move the Notting Hill Carnival from its historic location in the wake of the nearby Grenfell Tower disaster was rejected by London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Friday.

Minister for London Greg Hands, who is the MP for the nearby Chelsea and Fulham constituency, questioned on Twitter whether if it would be “appropriate to stage 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,” he added after a meeting with the mayor.

Mr Khan said he would not find a new location for the two-day annual event, which takes place on the last Sunday and Monday in August.

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

London rapper Stormzy called Mr Hands a “scumbag” for making the suggestion.

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.”