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Corbyn calls for school children to be taught about negative aspects of British empire

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for children to be taught about the legacy of the British Empire, the slave trade and colonialism.

He also want to raise awareness of the role black people have played in British history.

Mr Corbyn today was visiting Bristol as part of Black History month. He met up with Paul Stephenson, a civil rights activist who was actively involved in 1963 Bristol bus boycott.

This was a struggle to overturn a ban on ethnic minorities working on buses in the city.

This month is Black History Month, however the Labour leader wants black history to be taught all year around, not just for one month of the year.

He said: “It is vital that future generations understand the role that black Britons have played in our country’s history and the struggle for racial equality.”

Corbyn believes it is crucial Britons “learn and understand as a society the role and legacy of the British Empire, colonisation and slavery”.

Mr Corbyn also commented: “Black History month is a crucial chance to celebrate the immense contribution of black Britons to this country, to reflect on our common history and ensure that such grave injustices can never happen again.

“That’s why the story of Paul Stephenson and the Bristol Bus Boycott is such an inspirational reminder that our rights are hard-won, not given – and of the fantastic example set by so many black Britons.

“Paul is a true British hero and his story should be as widely known as Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

“It was the bravery and determination of people like Paul, standing up against injustice, that paved the way for the first Race Relations Act and the outlawing of such discrimination in our country.”

 

Joe Mellor

Head of Content

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