Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Sadiq Khan slams UK's 'identity kit version of history', backs equality renaissance

By S Neeraj Krishna

SADIQ KHAN has accused the British education system of offering “one-dimensional, identity kit version of history”, while urging people to “go around” it to tackle racism.


The London mayor said in a virtual discussion on Sunday that the anti-racism protests following the custodial death of black American George Floyd served as a wake-up call, stressing that one could no longer be “complacent” about equality issues.

Joined by F-1 champ Lewis Hamilton and stylist Basma Khalifa, Khan said coming across racial slurs in London “wasn’t uncommon” during his growing years in the 1970s and 80s.

“We have made huge progress over the last 30 years, but the reality is that even in 2020 in the most progressive city in the world, if you’re born black, your life chances are far less than any other ethnic group,” he added.

Elaborating on calls to “decolonise” education in Britain, the Labour stalwart said history was learnt more through familial and social interactions, not just classrooms.

He opined that the government was “quite prescriptive about what we learn”, adding that the current school curriculum offered a “one-dimensional, identity kit version of history”.

“I’m not sure if we can wait for the government to understand why it matters — we’ve got to do things ourselves,” Khan said during the Goals House virtual meet.

“We can’t do it formally through the structures of government and the national curriculum, we can use other ways to go around them.”

On the current resurgence of anti-racism movements, Khan stressed it was vital to have the right kind of “allies”.

“Some politicians, frankly speaking, play on people’s fears, the fear of what the Black Lives Matter movement could lead to,” he noted.

“Others should be addressing the fears, and I’m firmly in the camp of addressing people’s fears, addressing their concerns about equality and racism.”

Touching upon British politics, Khan said: “Why are there are too few politicians who look like us?

“The reality is our life experiences are very different from others and you have got to put yourselves in our shoes to understand what we go through.”

The next mayoral election in London, Khan added, should be an “arms race” on who possesses more anti-racism firepower.

“And in the meantime, we can educate [Prime Minister] Boris Johnson and his cabinet as well,” he said.

Khalifa, who has often been vocal about lack of diversity in the fashion industry, said she felt “privileged” that her voice was being “part of the changing the narrative”.

The designer and filmmaker said it was imperative to sustain the “the momentum created by the Black Lives Matter movement”.

“The conversations now are about education – this is what you need to read, what you need to watch, what you need to know, but then there needs to be actionable change,” she added.

“That for me is the most important next step, I love that everyone is learning but I want to see it put into place.”

Hamilton — the sole black Formula One racer in history — also emphasised on “creating allies” on anti-racism front.

The six-time champion said he experienced “a lot of push-back” as he railed against racism in recent times.

Hamilton had created a stir at the Tuscan Grand Prix, which he won, on September 13 as he wore a T-shirt highlighting police brutality.

He had also slammed sports celebrities who chose not to speak out against racism.

“I see those of you who are staying silent, some of you the biggest of stars yet you stay silent in the midst of injustice,” Hamilton had written on Instagram.

“Not a sign from anybody in my industry which of course is a white-dominated sport. I’m one of the only people of colour there yet I stand alone.”

Citing his experience, he told the panellists of the virtual meet: “I’ve spoken to people high up who will say ‘well, all lives matter’, and these are older men in their 60s and 70s.

“I’ve called out people but I’ve also realised that it’s all about creating allies and empowering people, encouraging them to try and educate them and get them to be a part of it.”

Hamilton added that it was “incredible to see what happened in Bristol this year”, referring to the pulling down of slaver Edward Colston’s statue in June.

“None of my friends or people of colour should be walking past statues that represent and are celebrating people who were slave owners,” he said.

More For You

Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less