Backbench Business

Nigel Evans Con

Carlisle

As hon. Members can see, the call list is quite extensive but I do not intend to put a time limit on initially. However, if Members go on way beyond five or six minutes, they will either be knocking people off at the other end or reducing the time that they have, so please be mindful of other Members who will want to make contributions later.

Adam Afriyie Con

Windsor

Delighted to speak during Black History Month, reflecting on his journey from a single-parent household in south-east London to becoming the first black Conservative MP. He emphasises the importance of acknowledging Britain's diverse history and contributions from people of various backgrounds while avoiding identity politics that segregates communities. Emphasises the need for teaching the rich diversity of British history in schools without whitewashing or blackwashing historical narratives.

Dawn Butler Lab

Brent East

Congratulates the Member for Erith and Thamesmead on securing the debate; emphasises the importance of recognising allies in the fight against racism and injustice. Criticises the current history curriculum, arguing that it is essential to decolonise it to reflect a more truthful and inclusive view of history. Highlights the need for balanced teaching that acknowledges systemic racism and its lasting legacy. Addresses criticisms about black children feeling inferior due to a lack of representation in the curriculum.

Claire Coutinho Con

East Surrey

I thank the hon. Members who have secured this important debate at a time when the discussion of British history and its connection to race has been more prominent than I can remember in my lifetime. History is itself imperfect because it belongs to those who hold the pen. We can see that in the rewriting of history by Roman emperors to eradicate their rivals, and, in truth, in the lack of representation of minorities at some of the key moments in British history such as the empire, the Victorian era and the world wars. I wholeheartedly agree that we should include the stories of black, Asian and other minorities who were there at these critical points in our shared nation’s past. That is already outlined in the history curriculum, and it is right that teachers are empowered to choose on which sections they focus. Although we should seek to present a balanced view of our history, including all of those representations, at the same time we should unashamedly teach our children about British progress, and we should be proud of the country that we are today.

Tulip Siddiq Lab

Hampstead and Highgate

Before I begin my speech, I want to thank my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Thamesmead (Abena Oppong-Asare) for securing this important debate, and my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Marsha De Cordova) for constantly championing women and equalities across the Chamber whenever she gets a chance. I want briefly to outline what happened to me when I decided to stand in Hampstead and Kilburn—the area where my parents got married in the 1970s, when I went to school and where I have had my two children. I was constantly warned that someone called Tulip Siddiq, with a Muslim last name, would not get elected in Hampstead and Kilburn because we have a significant Jewish community. Many people will not know this story, but when the general election of 1959 was held, Dr David Pitt made history by being the first person of African descent to stand for Parliament in the constituency of Hampstead, which is now part of my constituency of Hampstead and Kilburn.

Imran Ahmad Khan Con

Wakefield

Emphasised the importance of celebrating Black History Month to highlight Britons from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to building the nation. He highlighted historical events such as the West Africa Squadron, which helped free over 150,000 Africans from slavery. Imran also noted improvements for ethnic minorities in education and apprenticeships under the Conservative government, but acknowledged there is still work to be done.

John Cryer Lab

Ealing Central and Acton

Focused on the importance of including Caribbean history and struggles for independence in the curriculum. He paid tribute to Bernie Grant and other historical figures who played key roles in the fight for freedom and self-government, stressing the danger of losing collective memory as these individuals pass away.

Bim Afolami Con

Wealdon

It is a pleasure to speak in this debate and to follow many other hon. Members. We have talked about black history being British history, and it is critically important. I would like to gently take on some of the points made by Labour Members but respect their passion for the issue. I studied history at Oxford University and found that studying Britain's history did not make me feel inferior or excluded; rather, it emphasised my unique part in this country’s story. My experience with my mixed-race sons highlights how young children do not differentiate people based on skin colour.

Kemi Badenoch Con

North West Essex

In intervention, Kemi Badenoch agreed that most children do not know the colour of the author when reading books and that it is unnecessary for readers to share the same skin colour with authors to identify with them.

Christine Jardine Lib Dem

Edinburgh West

Rose to speak but did not provide a full position statement in the given excerpt.

Tulip Siddiq Lab

Hampstead and Highgate

In intervention, Tulip Siddiq questioned Bim Afolami's argument about intersectionality, stating that there is a significant difference between middle-class individuals with advantages and those who face double discrimination growing up in poverty.

Dawn Butler Lab

Brent East

In intervention, Dawn Butler challenged Bim Afolami’s argument, suggesting that the hon. Member is missing the point about intersectionality and the lived experiences of individuals facing discrimination in different socioeconomic contexts.

Jeremy Corbyn Ind

Islington North

Mr. Corbyn emphasised the importance of addressing racial disparities in society, highlighting the need for a collective response to provide equal opportunities in education, housing and health. He referenced the Windrush scandal, the treatment of migrants in detention, and the history of colonialism and slavery, urging that these issues be included in the national curriculum year-round rather than confined to Black History Month. He also praised figures from the black community who have organised themselves and fought against racism.

Christine Jardine Lib Dem

Edinburgh West

Ms Jardine intervened, discussing the renaming of streets named after slave owners in communities across the UK as a way to address historical injustices and educate future generations about these aspects of history.

Kemi Badenoch Con

North West Essex

Ms Badenoch questioned whether focusing on Britain's wrongdoings towards people of certain races would distort the national curriculum, arguing that it is important to present a balanced view of history.

Caroline Nokes Con

Romsey and Southampton North

Congratulates the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead on securing the debate, pays tribute to individuals who have educated her about black history in Southampton, discusses the experiences of a constituent, Paul Williams, highlights the work of Premier League and Football Association against racism, suggests embedding Black History Month across the year and curriculum, emphasises the need for better representation of all people's histories, speaks about allyship and encourages speaking up against injustice, supports the identification of barriers to entry in elections for BAME candidates, argues for more women, BAME individuals, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ individuals in positions of power, calls for action rather than reviews.

Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab

Clapham and Brixton Hill

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this important debate, and I echo the words of another hon. Friend: it is not enough to be not racist; one must be anti-racist. Every time I hear about black history, I learn more, but at school we did not learn much beyond Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. We need to teach British children about figures like Mary Seacole, Claudia Jones, Olive Morris, CLR James, and the first Black Members of Parliament. Teaching black history is crucial for understanding Britain's past and present, including slavery, colonialism, and their ongoing impacts. I am suspicious of the Government’s refusal to change the curriculum despite petitions, especially in light of new guidance on anti-capitalist texts. Decolonising education addresses both race and class issues, empowering working-class children with knowledge about social movements. We need proper, comprehensive teaching of black history, not just add-ons or a single day for Black History Month. Teachers are making efforts but need Government support to integrate black history properly into the curriculum.

Andrew Lewer Con

South Northamptonshire

I thank hon. Members for securing this debate and acknowledge the importance of discussing racial injustice in both the US and UK contexts, but I am wary of adopting American ideologies without considering our unique history. Britain played a crucial role in abolishing the slave trade, welcomed people from diverse ethnicities, and has a track record of tolerance compared to other nations. While acknowledging past wrongs is important, we should not embrace divisive theories like critical race theory or unconscious bias training which can harm race relations by promoting identity politics based on race rather than merit. I highlight Walter Tull, a black footballer who served as an officer during WWI and was a local hero in Northampton, to illustrate the contributions of black Britons that should be celebrated for their actions and character beyond racial identifiers. We must look to our own history and not simply follow US trends.

Chi Onwurah Lab

Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

Onwurah argued that Black History Month is not just about justice in telling overlooked stories but also about sharing the diversity of achievement in British history. She encouraged teaching black history in schools to inspire young people, citing her own experience as Newcastle's first black MP. She highlighted an example of a constituent who has faced racial discrimination and is now fighting for better working conditions. Onwurah emphasised the need for action against racism and called on individuals to boycott products from racist advocates and platforms such as Facebook.

Kemi Badenoch Con

North West Essex

Badenoch responded, acknowledging the debate's importance. She mentioned that she has been looking into the issue of racial disparities in health outcomes since June and will give an oral statement on Thursday to address many of the questions raised.

Joy Morrissey Con

Beaconsfield

Morrissey spoke on behalf of a young woman she has mentored, Chanay Ismael. She advocated for teaching black history in an integrated curriculum to inspire young people from diverse backgrounds. Morrissey highlighted the importance of including social leaders and medical figures such as Mary Seacole in educational content.

Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op

Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Celebrates Mary Seacole's contributions to the country, highlights the efforts of the Mary Seacole Trust in raising funds for a statue at St Thomas’s Hospital. Emphasises the importance of recognising historical figures like Mary Seacole and acknowledging their place in history books. Acknowledges healthcare workers during the pandemic and stresses the significance of Black History Month to appreciate collective history. Advocates for racial equality, mentioning personal achievements as a pioneering black woman in politics but stressing that there should be more diversity in all fields. Discusses obstacles faced due to racism and calls for allies to speak out against racial injustices. Encourages education on black contributions throughout the year, mentions Olive Morris's work in Streatham, and highlights Nigeria’s 60th anniversary of independence while calling attention to ongoing issues.

Neil O'Brien Con

Harborough, Oadby and Wigston

Pays tribute to speeches in the debate and emphasises the importance of understanding Britain's history as a multiracial society. Argues against importing wholesale American ideas about civil rights into British discourse. Worries about identity politics dividing people rather than uniting them, citing examples such as curricula being decolonised. Points out progress made over the last 20 years in terms of employment rates and earnings for ethnic minorities. Emphasises that there is no black or white history but only British history.

Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem

Bath

Describes her experience of listening to members of the black community in Bath who have faced systemic racism for their entire lives. Criticises the defensive stance taken by some people regarding racism and emphasises the need to reject and dismantle cultural conflicts. Argues that including more rather than less in history books enriches understanding. Advocates for continued celebration of Black History Month as a reminder to focus on racial justice and measure progress towards eradicating discrimination.

Simon Baynes Con

Clwyd South

I am pleased to mark Black History Month, which highlights the significant contributions of black Britons. The Speaker’s Advisory Committee on Works of Art is reviewing ways to improve diversity in the parliamentary art collection and reinterpret existing works rather than removing them. Teachers have flexibility in teaching about black history without mandating specific areas. I support the recently announced Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities, which will focus on education. This debate contributes to marking Black History Month and deepens understanding of historical inclusivity.

Beth Winter Lab

Cynon Valley

I pay tribute to Paul Robeson and Nelson Mandela for their work against racism. The Welsh Government's research shows that the pandemic has disproportionately affected BAME communities, leading to higher levels of deprivation. There is an ethnicity pay gap in Wales at 7.5%, and concerns over treatment of asylum seekers highlight ongoing issues. However, positive actions are being taken, such as declaring Wales a nation of sanctuary for all and developing a race equality action plan by the end of the Senedd term.

Virginia Crosbie Con

Ynys Môn

Black History Month celebrates the contributions made by people of African and Caribbean descent. In Anglesey, black slaves were used to mine copper in the 18th century, contributing significantly to the island's wealth. Today, Amlwch needs investment for employment opportunities, with potential in renewable energy projects like Morlais marine energy.

Navendu Mishra Lab

Stockport

We have made strides in recent years to educate about black history, but racism remains a daily struggle for black people. Greater Manchester has a rich history of individuals who fought against racial discrimination and inspired future generations. Black history should be an integral part of the curriculum, including lessons on colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade. The Bristol bus boycott of 1963 led to the Race Relations Act 1965. It is vital that we learn from those who have struggled before us. Mrs Jayaben Desai's leadership in the Grunwick dispute fought for fairness and equality, highlighting the need for interventions against racial inequalities in the workplace. A race equality strategy is necessary to reduce structural inequalities faced by black people.

Julie Marson

Black History Month celebrates the history and contributions of minority ethnic groups. Black and minority ethnic individuals have made significant positive impacts on society for a long time. The existing curriculum empowers teachers to teach history in all its complexity, including racism and conflicts. Change happens in the present; we must focus on ensuring equal opportunities through education, apprenticeships, and career advancements. We are both made by and can make history. A warning from George Orwell: denying people's understanding of their history is destructive.

Sarah Jones Lab

Croydon West

I emphasise the importance of including black history in British history, acknowledging the inequalities highlighted by covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement. I honour Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Stormzy from Croydon as examples of influential black Britons, highlighting systemic racism and advocating for changes beyond just renaming streets or curricula. I also highlight a young member of my team who initiated sessions on issues affecting students from African and Caribbean backgrounds.

Angela Richardson

I celebrate the contribution of black people to British history, focusing on those in public services during the covid-19 response. I acknowledge my colonial ancestry's journey, highlighting my great-great-grandfather Levi Stanton’s story and how it shaped my identity. I also recognise the positive impact of music by black artists and emphasise the importance of inclusivity through shared cultural experiences.

Taiwo Owatemi Lab

Coventry North West

I thank my hon. Friend for securing this debate and express pride in being the first black MP for Coventry North West and the first Nigerian heritage MP in the west midlands. According to census figures, 3.4% of Coventry North West residents are black. I celebrate the contributions of pioneers like Ira Aldridge, who was Britain's first black theatre manager and an anti-slavery activist. Coventry is also known for its role in creating 2 Tone music and hosting Chuck Berry’s recording session. The city’s status as UK City of Culture 2021 has spurred celebrations of black history. I argue that black history should be taught in schools, reflecting the Macpherson report's recommendations to address racial injustice and include diverse perspectives.

Gareth Bacon Con

Orpington

I congratulate the hon. Member for securing this debate and commend her efforts. I highlight contributions of black Britons in sport, noting role models like Daley Thompson, Tessa Sanderson, Frank Bruno, Chris Oti, Ellery Hanley, Martin Offiah, Viv Anderson, Remi Moses, Paul McGrath, Danny Wallace, and Mo Farah. These achievements foster unity but caution against politicising Black History Month to promote division. I emphasise the importance of celebrating commonality rather than fostering resentment by attempting to rewrite history or impose ideological views.

Naz Shah Lab

Bradford West

While looking into Black History Month within my constituency, I discovered that John Edward Parris was one of the first, if not the first, black footballer for Bradford. More recently, Ces Podd and Joe Cooke can be added to the famous names associated with Bradford and football. I am also pleased to have seen more recently the appointment of our first black female CEO, Therese Patten, to the local NHS district care trust. However, I was disheartened to learn that we do not have a place locally in which we can find details of the first black nurse, the first black teacher, the first black doctor and so forth. In contributing to today’s debate, for which I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Thamesmead (Abena Oppong-Asare), I want to highlight that issue, but also ensure that that will change through intervention. Many colleagues from across the House have made powerful contributions, and I echo much of what has been said, certainly on this side of the House, especially on the Black Lives Matter movement. However, I want to focus my speech on celebrating the contributions of black people across my constituency, because for black lives to really matter their contributions must be remembered, dignified and celebrated.

Huw Merriman Con

Bexhill and Battle

It is an absolute pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Bradford West (Naz Shah), particularly because she reeled off so many names of those who have contributed so much to her constituency. I find it interesting listening to her, because I represent a part of the country—the county of East Sussex—where perhaps I would not be able to do that, because of our demographics. None the less, I feel moved to speak, because it is important for all constituents who feel the burning desire of justice to have all their representatives speak up. We should not just have certain voices speaking; we should all speak and speak up for our constituents who are very concerned. They want to celebrate Black History Month and the achievements that the community has made, but they also push us all in this place to do more.

Wes Streeting Lab

Ilford North

Congratulates the lead MP on securing an important debate about black history. He highlights his own upbringing in diverse communities and argues for a curriculum that includes comprehensive historical context, including Britain's imperial past, to better understand current social inequalities. Criticises the lack of black British history in GCSE modules and calls for it to be made compulsory within the national curriculum. Emphasises the importance of role models from various backgrounds and the need to address existing baked-in inequalities by understanding our past fully.

Mark Fletcher Con

Norwich South

The hon. Member for Norwich South acknowledged the importance of diverse representation in Parliament but cautioned against placing excessive demands on the education system. He argued that while teaching history is crucial, it should not overshadow the present and future, highlighting record numbers of black students attending university.

Claudia Webbe Lab

Weston-super-Mare

The hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare highlighted the need to learn from the history of racial oppression and end current injustices, referencing institutional racism in various sectors and the Windrush scandal compensation figures. She also celebrated black contributions throughout history and called for a fairer future where Black Lives Matter is more than just an annual month-long focus.

James Sunderland Lab

Workington

Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987, organised by Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, the coordinator of special projects for the Greater London Council. As of March 2020, 8.2% of all police officers in the UK are BME, up from 7.8% one year ago; in the Metropolitan Police, this figure is now 16%, with 17% classified as black or black British. In the City of London Police, 22% of its joiners this year identify as BME. The speaker highlights the contribution of BME communities to the armed forces, noting that some 11.7% of those who entered UK regular and reserve forces in the 12 months to March 2020 were BME. He mentions Walter Tull, an Afro-Caribbean infantry officer and the first British-born black Army officer to lead white British troops into battle. The speaker expresses a note of caution regarding national curriculum changes that could airbrush history from consciousness, urging for good education, dialogue, mutual respect, wider acceptance of past failings, and tolerance.

Andrew Bowie Con

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

Andrew Bowie emphasised the importance of Black History Month in providing education and fostering understanding about historical injustices, such as slavery. He recalled his own experience with a book that first introduced him to racial discrimination, reflecting on how it influenced his perspective on civil rights and inequality. Bowie highlighted the need for an inclusive curriculum that teaches about Britain's role in both perpetuating and abolishing the slave trade, advocating for a balanced approach to discussing colonial history without erasing or glorifying past actions.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberavon Maesteg

It is a real pleasure to follow the hon. Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Andrew Bowie). He gave an excellent speech, particularly about the role of Scotland and Scotland’s history in the empire... Britain has a strong tradition of welcoming people from all around the world who decide to make their homes here, but like so many of the Windrush generation, Lenny experienced hostility, racism and inequality. I pay tribute to the fact that he was one of the founding members of the Swansea Bay association that allowed members of the Windrush generation to make their voices heard and to tell their stories... We learn so much more about ourselves by learning about the experience of others. It is those deeper insights, that more nuanced understanding and that honest and robust debate about our past and about the lived experience of others that will build a better society, better communities and a stronger and more cohesive United Kingdom.

Alexander Stafford

It is always a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock), whose constituency is very close to my heart... Only by knowing our past can we know our future. Black History Month is a very important issue, but I say black history is British history. We have one shared history, black and white. Black people have been present throughout the history of this great nation—at our highs and at our lows, when we have done well and when we have done badly. It is a shared collective history and that needs to continue to be taught... For me, black history is British history. We need to learn all about it because we are one people. We are one British people. We should celebrate what everyone has achieved, black or white, rich or poor. We should not necessarily divide the two, but we should make sure that when we teach our British history, we talk about the integral part that black people have played in our great British history.

Olivia Blake Lab

Sheffield Hallam

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate. It is vital to celebrate black history and the struggle for racial justice in the UK, particularly given Sheffield’s role during the industrial revolution both in producing tools for slave plantations and as a site of anti-slavery activism. We must continue to challenge institutional racism in our education system, where only 1% of professors are black. Black History Month should be about more than looking to the past; it is about struggling for a better future too, such as fighting for justice for Simba Mujakachi who owes £93,000 due to the Government’s ‘hostile environment’ policy.

John Hayes Con

South Holland and The Deepings

Civilisation is a conversation where no one voice dominates. However, we now live in an age where many groups vie for attention by shouting ever louder in what can best be described as a competition of victimhood. We must celebrate the contribution of everyone to our country but history is complex, and humanity is both flawed and capable of greatness. While I accept differing interpretations of history, there are those who want to sanitise and reinvent it. All we are now is a product of all that came before, good, bad and ugly, and we cannot simply wipe away the past.

Rosie Winterton

Order has been restored regarding interventions and ensuring everyone gets to speak.

Kim Johnson Lab

Liverpool Riverside

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate, highlighting the importance of recognising both achievements and challenges faced by black communities in October. This year is particularly significant due to global events that have brought attention to structural racism and inequalities. As a representative from Liverpool, one of Europe's oldest black communities with roots in the slave trade, I emphasise systemic issues such as under-representation in public sectors and political spheres. Schools perpetuate myths of black underachievement and exclusion. However, there are positive developments like the race task group set up by Liverpool City Council to develop a more representative curriculum for the coming academic year.

Theresa Villiers

I thank the Backbench Business Committee and the hon. Member for securing this debate on Black History Month, an opportunity to celebrate contributions from black British people over centuries. I advocate for the inclusion of black history in the school curriculum and believe it should be taught objectively and inclusively. We must be honest about historical injustices such as the transatlantic slave trade while also recognising our nation's role in championing values like democracy, justice, and individual freedom. Learning from past complexities is essential, with many setbacks on the path to progress and equality. The struggle of figures like Mary Prince, who published an influential narrative against slavery despite her enslavement, highlights resistance to oppression and contributes to a better world today.

Ruth Cadbury Lab

Brentford and Isleworth

I am pleased to follow the right hon. Member for Chipping Barnet who, like me, represents a constituency in outer London. I would also like to thank my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Thamesmead for introducing this debate on Black History Month. My constituents feel deeply about black history; over 50 emails asking me to support making black and colonial history compulsory in school have been received, along with almost 1,000 signatures supporting an e-petition that has now secured over 250,000 signatures. Many students only learn these topics in passing, if at all, such as the murder of Stephen Lawrence and the Windrush scandal; both events highlight the importance of understanding cultural diversity and colonial history. Sam Jones works at Bolder Academy teaching colonial history to Year 8 students, focusing on migration from Roman times to the present day. Making black and colonial history compulsory in schools is a vital step towards reflecting core British values.

Steven Baker Con

Wycombe

Next Tuesday marks the 41st anniversary of St Vincent and the Grenadines’ independence, with Wycombe being home to the largest population from these islands outside their country. A Caribbean lady I met during a Black History Month event described her feelings every time she writes her name: it reminds her that she is descended from slaves. The story of George Alexander Gratton illustrates both shameful and moving aspects of black history in the UK. Recently, there was an incident where Asian and black children were segregated from their peers and not taught by a teacher—shocking racism within schools. In response to recent BLM protests, it’s important for us to listen to our constituents who don't experience equality in life. I am chair of the advisory board for Conservatives Against Racism for Equality and will work with them towards realising true equality.

Tom Hunt Con

Ipswich

Hails Winston Churchill as one of the greatest figures in UK history, opposes any attempts to denigrate his legacy. Highlights the significant contribution of black athletes and individuals in sports such as Andy Cole and Les Ferdinand. Emphasises the importance of teaching a shared history that includes recognition of past injustices but also celebrates unity and achievements.

Stephen Timms Lab

East Ham

Supports the review of national curriculum to better teach about black contributions in UK history, including recent events like the Newham Eight campaign. Highlights disproportionate impact of 'no recourse to public funds' policy on black families and children, advocating for a race equality audit of Government policies.

Felicity Buchan Con

Kensington

Celebrates the contributions of the Windrush generation in Kensington and highlights the importance of recognising achievements in arts, media, film, sports, and business. Acknowledges health inequalities highlighted by the coronavirus crisis and supports initiatives to address them.

Fleur Anderson Lab

Putney

I echo other Members’ congratulations to my hon. Friend the Member for Erith and Thamesmead on securing this important debate, which I am sure will be influential in the life of our country. In the aftermath of the killing of George Floyd, more than 500 people in Putney, Roehampton and Southfields contacted me wanting to know what action would be taken. Many of them talked about our education system being at the root of the problems in our society, and a key part of their demand was the call for every schoolchild to be taught honestly and truthfully about Britain’s colonial history. I pay tribute to all those young people who wrote to me and to all the teachers who want to do more in their schools. It is essential that Britain wrestles with, and reckons with, our colonial past, as it is part of our history. This subject cannot be a voluntary add-on. A compulsory module for black history in key stage 3 is needed, along with training for teachers and the development of resources to properly teach black history across our curriculum.

Duncan Baker

It is a privilege to speak in this debate on such important matters. The UK has traditionally been one of the most open, tolerant, welcoming and diverse countries in the western world, with some of the lowest levels of hate crime in Europe. However, there are threats to tolerance and peaceful co-existence from both sides of society. Active xenophobia, racism and violence are totally unacceptable in this country and should be challenged by responding swiftly with the full force of the law. Black History Month is a great opportunity for celebration, but on education and the curriculum we must tackle cancel culture, which attempts to close down debate, discussion and learning in our universities and other educational institutions. We must not politicise education. Our nation’s history is one of great breadth and depth, with examples of both triumphs and failures. All we need to do is teach that history, warts and all, encourage as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and facilitate the conversations that will empower young people to form their own conclusions about the issues that shape the world around them.

Rachel Hopkins Lab

Luton South

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate and echo her call for people to register to vote in next year’s elections. I pay tribute to Mr Taylor, my former drama teacher who taught black history through creativity. I also celebrate Councillor Desline Stewart, Luton's first black woman mayor, and the Mary Seacole Housing Association she founded. Black history is British history and it includes recent local events.

Paul Bristow Con

Peterborough

I congratulate the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead on securing this debate. Our identity as British is defined by our institutions, not race. Black History Month celebrates contributions to Britain but should avoid stressing differences that can lead to segregation. My constituency of Peterborough, a diverse city, stands together against such ideas, showing unity in times like the pandemic.

Bob Seely Con

Isle of Wight

Black History Month should focus on the historical importance of black history in Britain, rather than being politicised. Emphasises that British history is complex but ultimately positive, with significant contributions made towards abolishing slavery and decolonisation efforts despite imperial accumulation.

Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem

North East Fife

Highlights the hidden colonial history of Greenock and other Scottish towns, where merchants traded in goods like iron and guns for enslaved people. Discusses how wealth from the slave trade enriched Scotland and UK philanthropy. Acknowledges that James Watt’s father was a slave trader and Robert Burns had connections to slavery.

Jonathan Gullis Independent Group for Change

Stoke-on-Trent North

I add my name to the long list of other Members who have thanked the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead for securing this debate, emphasising the celebration of Black History Month in schools through various activities. I taught about the transatlantic slave trade, apartheid in South Africa, Nelson Mandela's struggle, Justin Fashanu's impact as a black gay footballer, and Josiah Wedgwood's role in slavery abolition. My colleague Lola Blatch created a citizenship curriculum focused on challenging issues like Stephen Lawrence’s murder to remind students of the consequences of unchallenged racism.

Helen Hayes Lab

Dulwich and West Norwood

I congratulate my hon. Friend for securing this debate, highlighting the diversity in my constituency connected with the Empire Windrush's arrival and the subsequent Windrush scandal where many were wrongly treated as non-citizens due to a lack of understanding about British history and its colonial past. Curriculum reform is crucial to ensure every child understands Britain’s migration history and its impact on shaping who we are today, calling for the Government to deliver this change and fully fund the Black Cultural Archives.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

I believe that black history is British history, in the same way that Ulster Scots history is British history. I commend the right hon. Member for Chipping Barnet (Theresa Villiers). She held an Adjournment debate one night on this very issue, and set the scene and the tone extremely well... Martin Luther King said that people should not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. That is a lesson that I believe every school should teach.

Alex Sobel Lab Co-op

Leeds Central and Headingley

We need the Government to be an honest broker in our history without an attempt to whitewash history or belittle the oppression of black communities... The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport decided to intervene in the decision by writing to all museums with arm’s length bodies arrangements. Appearing before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the museum director said that the board had taken the letter “very seriously”... I also want to talk about an episode of black history that, sadly, is rarely taught in our academic institutions or schools: the oppression and genocide of the West Papuans under Indonesian occupation.

Anne McLaughlin SNP

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

Congratulates the hon. Member for Erith and Thamesmead on securing the debate; discusses the importance of incorporating black history into general teaching to avoid selective perspectives; highlights figures like Mary Seacole and Andrew Watson who deserve recognition; argues that racism is rooted in untruthful or selective teaching about our past; invites Members to join an early-day motion series featuring black historical figures until the end of October.

Marsha de Cordova Lab

Battersea

I am truly honoured to close this debate for the official Opposition. Members have heard that this is the first debate in the House on Black History Month for five years, and I hope we do not have to wait another five years for such debates again. We celebrated Black History Month since 1987 when three black MPs were elected to this place: Bernie Grant, Paul Boateng, and Diane Abbott. This year's celebration is more important given the global health pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, which highlighted racial injustices in Britain. Racism requires systemic solutions, and it starts with knowing our history. We should celebrate people like abolitionist Mary Prince and the Bristol bus boycott that led to the Race Relations Acts of 1965, 1968, and 1976. The Windrush generation contributed greatly to society; many worked in the NHS. We must acknowledge ongoing issues such as black workers earning less than their white counterparts and disproportionate stop-and-search rates for black men. Labour calls on the Government to implement a race equality strategy that includes reforming the national curriculum to include an honest account of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade.

Kemi Badenoch Con

North West Essex

The speaker emphasised that the current curriculum includes a diverse range of topics such as British empire, colonialism, transatlantic slave trade, and non-European cultures. She also stated that critical race theory is divisive and opposed by the government.

Marsha de Cordova Lab

Battersea

The speaker did not provide a full speech in the provided transcript but expressed her intention to support continued debate on the topic of black history and equality. She advocates for a race equality strategy, an action plan, and diversification of the curriculum.

Abena Oppong-Asare Lab

Erith and Thamesmead

The speaker highlighted the importance of understanding true history in order to move forward. She emphasised that diversifying the curriculum is necessary for a holistic view of the nation's history and not about political point scoring but addressing public needs.

Commons Sense

Lead MP

Debate Type

Tags

At a Glance

How the Debate Unfolded

Lead Contributor

Contributors (67)

About House of Commons Debates