Sharpeville Day. March 1960 House of Commons. Barbara Castle asks if British arms were used in the Sharpeville Massacre
It is 65 years since the Sharpeville Massacre when South African police shot dead 69 black protesters and injured many more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharpeville_massacre
21st March is marked as Sharpeville Day each year
On 22nd March 1960, the day after the massacre, the Commons briefly debated the matter. One would like to think that the present Government would have a more enlightened attitude than Macmillan’s did on that late March Tuesday but it seems unlikely given events in Gaza. Moreover it seems unlikely Labour in 2025 would be asking questions either
The full debate is here:
An exchange, still relevant between Labour MP Barbara Castle and the Minister:
Mrs. Castle
Is it not a fact that some of these atrocious, oppressive acts are being carried out with the help of arms sent from this country? Is not the minimum that the Government can do to show their horror at these atrocities to stop supplying the South African Government with armoured cars and other weapons that enable them to tyrranise over African peoples?
Mr. Alport
It has been the policy of successive Governments, of both political parties to help other Commonwealth Governments to meet their armament requirements.
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