London Socialist Historians Group
Media Release
3rd August
contact Dr Keith Flett 07803 167266
Sunak’s plan to extend Prevent to include those who ‘vilify’ Britain is political correctness gone mad warn historians
The London Socialist Historians Group, which organises the socialist history seminar at the Institute of Historical Research at the University of London has strongly criticised Rishi Sunak’s plan to extend the Prevent programme, officially aimed at potential terrorists, to include those who ‘vilify’ Britain.
The historians say that ‘vilify’ is a loose term and often a matter of judgement but in the era of culture wars Conservatism it is easy to see historians who write on the realities of British history being caught up.
Examples might be:
Peterloo where the Government killed 16 people and injured many more for demanding the vote
Detailing the history of racism that was a key part of Winston Churchill’s politics
Campaigning for statues and memorials to slave traders and imperialists to be taken down or moved
LSHG Convenor Dr Keith Flett said, Rishi Sunak is just making things up on the hoof to appeal to hard core Tory members. The problem is that once ideas like those who ‘vilify’ Britain being put on a list are out there they become part of political debate rather than what they are, Tory political correctness gone mad.
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