I note our MP parroting the inane views of Priti Patel under a headline worthy of the worst kind of tabloid.

In fact the convulsions following the murder of George Floyd are both unexpected and hugely welcome. As the scales drop from our eyes, society has a chance to confront the past and start to make amends.

The only question about statues of slave traders is how we could have left them standing so long? It is time to challenge centuries of denial about European colonialism and exploitation. Starting with the Spanish conquest of South and Central America, European nations employed violence to invade and subjugate most of the world and then to ruthlessly oppress its population and exploit its resources.

Many in this country still hark back to the British Empire as something to be proud of. In reality it is a lasting stain on our history and was built on the mindset that the populations we invaded and colonised were ‘inferior races’. The UK has never properly acknowledged this truth. Hence we continue awarding OBEs, MBEs etc to honour people! Benjamin Zephaniah was right to refuse such a tainted bauble and the time has come to abolish such awards.

While we cannot change the past, we most certainly have the chance to change the future. We need to identify and overcome all direct and indirect forms of racial discrimination and ensure that schools teach pupils the whole truth about colonialism.

In terms of reparations the UK could take a lead in writing off debts of the poorest countries and move to a larger, no-strings attached aid programme.

Domestically a major redistribution of income in this country would be especially beneficial to BAME citizens but also highly desirable for the majority of working people.

JULIAN JONES
Bridport Town Councillor