Black history is British history and should be taught in schools, Burnham says

Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaking during a reception to celebrate Black History Month (Dan Kitwood/PA)PA WireHelen William5 minutes agoNews Briefings

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Black history should be taught in schools, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said.

Mr Burnham insisted “we are a country that has always stood together” despite “a decade of division” including balaclava-clad criminals “trying to divide us”.

He was speaking at a Downing Street reception on Monday to mark Black History Month (BHM).

He said: “Black history is British history.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham during a reception to celebrate Black History Month, at 10 Downing Street (Dan Kitwood/PA)PA WireHe recalled that his previous role as Greater Manchester mayor saw efforts to make BHM a “proper fixture in the heart of the Greater Manchester calendar,” including events at Manchester Cathedral.

It was a chance to celebrate and mark achievement, enjoy inspiration and take a note of history, according to Mr Burnham.

He said: “I want Black History Month to be a regular feature, not just in Manchester Cathedral but in Downing Street.

“I also want black history to be taught in the curriculum in our schools.

“(I want) it to be understood how this country was built and who built this country, the story of the Windrush generation who came to this country at our request to work in our public services (and) in our NHS.

“And let’s be honest, they have not had the full recognition and justice they deserve.

“I am happy to say that here tonight and that is the history we need to remind people of, that is the inspiring part of this country and the history we should be proud of.

“That is us and not the people in balaclavas trying to divide us. We are a country that has always stood together.”

Mr Burnham said black history should be on the curriculum (Dan Kitwood/PA)PA WireMr Burnham also said: “We have lived through a decade where there has been too much discrimination on our streets, too many people trying to drive wedges between our communities and we are not going to have it anymore.

“We are drawing a line under a decade of division in this country. We are turning to the future and trying to bring back hope again.

“Hope comes from all people feeling they have a part and their contribution is recognised – that is the country we are trying to build.”

Mr Burnham said he was speaking to a room of “history makers”, including stars of TV, campaigners and people who have made waves in their various fields.

Prominent figures from across the black British community were among around 100 guests at the reception, including Sagal Abdi-Wali who was elected last week and attending her first event after being sworn in as a Labour MP just hours earlier.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham with Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh ahead of a reception to celebrate Black History Month (Dan Kitwood/PA)PA WireTo loud applause, Mr Burnham told the guests that he was proud of Ms Abdi-Wali’s election.

He said: “What a story to go from a child refugee to being a Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras.

“What a country (where) that can happen and it makes us so proud.”

Earlier she told the Press Association: “Obviously, my identity as a black person is really important to me. The number of young people who have come up to me and told me they are excited to see they are represented and reflected. It is really important.”

Broadcasters June Sarpong and Ekow Eshun were also among the guests.

After listening to the Prime Minister’s speech, Eshun said: “I think that it is really important that we mark our presence and we stake our place in culture, society and history – that means asserting our presence at events like this, so we are not overlooked.

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“To that extent I was heartened by what Andy Burnham said about including black history as part of the curriculum so that we do not have to tell our story each time, each day and each month and year over and over again as if our presence here is some kind of historical accident.

“It is a clear assertion of what our presence is and what Britain is.”

Diane Abbott, the first black woman elected to the UK Parliament, the longest-serving female MP, Mother of the House, plus Baroness Amos were among the political figures who attended.

There was also praise for the family of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence.

Of his mother Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Mr Burnham said: “We talk not only of people who make history but also change history.

She “changed history in the way people are treated and in the tackling of racism and discrimination within our police, we will forever salute Baroness Doreen Lawrence”.