“London's buskers are integral to the city's vibrant culture. They bring our public spaces to life for Londoners and visitors". Photo: © Greater London Authority.
Responding to a question from the London Assembly, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I fully support the Council’s appeal against the abatement notice, along with all efforts to ensure performers have access to viable and high profile pitches across the city".
“It is important that solutions are found so that busking can continue to be a meaningful, sustainable career and Londoners can benefit from their contribution to our capital,” he continued.
Buskers are campaigning for new viable and accessible pitches to replace those lost in Leicester Square. It follows a City of London Magistrates Court ruling that banned busking there, describing it as a “statutory nuisance” and comparing it to “psychological torture techniques.”
Over 1,700 people have signed a petition in support. The campaign has also been backed by busker Luke Silva and London MPs Dawn Butler and Bell Ribeiro-Addy.
Making sure busking remains a viable career for Londoners
The Mayor’s comments came in response to a question from London Assembly Member and Green Party Leader Zack Polanski, who attended a photocall in support members' campaign in the summer.
He asked if the Mayor will:
- Support MU members’ campaign for new and viable pitches in Westminster to replace those lost in Leicester Square
- Work with buskers, trade unions and Westminster Council to secure those pitches as soon as possible so busking remains a viable career for Londoners.
Read the Mayor’s response in full
“London's buskers are integral to the city's vibrant culture. They bring our public spaces to life for Londoners and visitors, and I fully recognise their contribution to the capital’s identity and economy.
“Since 2016 I have championed initiatives that celebrate and support London’s street performers through initiatives like the Busk in London programme, which provides training, guidance, and performance opportunities across the capital. This has included running International Busking Day celebrations in Wembley Park and Trafalgar Square and holding auditions for the highly successful London Underground Busking Scheme.
“Following engagement with Westminster City Council, I fully support the Council’s appeal against the abatement notice, along with all efforts to ensure performers have access to viable and high profile pitches across the city. It is important that solutions are found so that busking can continue to be a meaningful, sustainable career and Londoners can benefit from their contribution to our capital.”
Our thanks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan for his response, and to everyone who has supported the campaign so far.