Here's something we've known for more than a hot minute: the Metropolitan Police's controversial Form 696 (that has been an unavoidable barrier for many wanting to promote live music events) is, in the words of Conservative MP Matt Hancock, "an injustice." The Culture Secretary has been heaping pressure on London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has in turn urged the Met Police to reconsider the form which has now finally been called into review by Scotland Yard. 

The move comes following a recent summit involving London's top artists, promoters and venues. This, of course, is part of a wider issue that has seen bashment music banned in Croydon, Notting Hill Carnival coming under increasing pressure, and a whole list of gigs and even whole tours cancelled.

Grime emcee P Money commented to the BBC: "We know they're just trying to shut down grime, because if it was anything else they wouldn't have this issue. If, for example, Ed Sheeran had a show and a fight broke out, he’s not going to do a 696 on his next arena tour. Why is it different? There's fights everywhere, there’s situations everywhere at all types of shows, all types of things, whether its punk, rock, hip-hop, pop, whatever."

Funk Butcher added: "Form 696 has always felt punitive for certain parts of the capital's music community. This discussion will be a step in the right direction to redressing the grievances."

Speaking to the Evening Standard, the Tory MP said: "London's live music scene needs support. We want to see an end to the use of Form 696 which is too often a barrier to live music, and particularly targets acts from ethnic minority backgrounds."

Met Supt Roy Smith said: "The use of the Form 696 enables us to provide advice and guidance on the risk posed by an event and suggest measures which can be taken to manage those risks. So far, in 2017, no events have been cancelled at the request of the police following the submission of a Form 696. We welcome the opportunity to work with the music industry and the Mayor's office to review the process."

And now we play the waiting game...