Report claims no institutional racism in the UK. Where is the statue of black Chartist leader William Cuffay?
A new report authored by people broadly sympathetic to the perspectives of the current Government has concluded that there is no evidence of institutional racism in the UK though what it terms ‘historic racism’ has an impact.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56585538
Tottenham MP David Lammy has rightly challenged the reports conclusions, tweeting that people black and white will be dismayed that a chance to grapple with very real discrimination has been passed over.
It is notable that while the Government persists in its ‘see no evil..’ approach large employers and sporting bodies are taking the matter seriously and taking action. How effective that will be is another matter but at least there is a recognition of the issue.
However let’s take the report at its word for a moment.
Culture Minister Oliver Dowden has said that he does not support taking down statues even of slave traders but he does support putting up statues that reflect the history of Britain and how its understood in 2021.
What plans in that case are in hand to erect the long called for statue of William Cuffay?
Cuffay (1788-1870) was the black leader of London Chartism in 1848, a prominent campaigner for the vote and the system of Parliamentary democracy we now have.
The fact that he is not recognised by a statue in central London presumably cant be put down to any institutional bias in Government over many years, so no doubt Mr Dowden is actively working on it.
News is awaited…
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