Greater Manchester police will not be sending letters to individuals banning them from attending Manchester’s Caribbean carnival this year after a legal challenge.
GMP was accused of using “deeply racist” tactics last year after it issued a number of letters banning dozens of people from a Caribbean carnival event because they had been identified as “either a member of a street gang, affiliated to a street gang” or “perceived by others to be associated to a street gang”.
Campaigners said individuals were not told which of the criteria was thought to apply to them, or on what information it was based, and had no way to appeal against the bans.
The force is said to have engaged in this practice since 2006. Campaigners claim there were no similar banning policies for other equally large-scale events in Manchester, such as the Parklife music festival.
On 24 May 2023, the organisation Kids of Colour, supported by Liberty, sent a letter to GMP and Manchester city council (MCC), raising concerns that the bans were discriminatory. They alleged that a disproportionate number of black people and other people of colour were targeted.
On 22 June, Kids of Colour and Liberty sent a formal judicial review pre-action protocol letter to GMP and MCC, threatening legal action.
GMP responded on 14 July and stated it would not be sending letters banning people from attending the carnival this year. The force did not accept liability in regard to the campaigners’ claims of discrimination.
Kids of Colour said it “would not challenge these letters if there was any evidence to show they kept the carnival safe. For us, these letters are a small part of a much bigger picture, that picture being unjust, racist ‘gangs’ policing, a practice we know has affected many close to us, such as the Manchester 10 and their loved ones.
“At the core of our organisation, we share with our communities a desire for young people to live their lives fully and joyfully, with long futures ahead of them that they are excited for, free from violence of all kinds.”
Louise Whitfield, a lawyer at Liberty, said: “We all have the right to celebrate our culture and participate in our local communities. But these carnival-banning letters, issued by Greater Manchester police since 2006, prevented people from attending the carnival based on vague and unclear criteria.
“This practice was clearly race discrimination – with people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds more likely to be targeted. The practice was entirely opaque, unfair, and therefore unlawful, and there was no legal justification for sending these banning letters.
“We are pleased that following our queries on behalf of Kids of Colour, GMP have decided not to issue the letters this year. They must not send them again in future years.”
Supt Arif Nawaz, of Greater Manchester police, said: “Manchester’s Caribbean carnival is a pivotal event in Greater Manchester that GMP is proud to support. Our priority is to help make sure people can come together to celebrate and enjoy the event safely.
“As with every major event, when we plan our policing operation we look at the security measures that are in place at the venue and undertake a thorough assessment of any intelligence and the potential harm that may arise from the identified risks of violence, antisocial behaviour, and criminal activity. Our assessment concluded that banning letters were not a necessary or proportionate part of our policing plan this year.
“We recognise concerns raised by Kids of Colour and want to reassure them and the public that GMP’s policing tactics are always focused on keeping people safe and minimising harm. Officers have offered to meet with Kids of Colour to discuss matters and plans for this year’s event.”
