Bernie challenges the prime minister
Theme(s): Celebrating Windrush and Reparations
This is the last question that Bernie asked in the House of Parliament. Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions on the 24th November 1999 Bernie challenged the then Prime Minister Tony Blair to acknowledge the contribution made by British subjects from across the commonwealth and to apologise for the period of colonisation and enslavement.
Whilst PM Blair declined the invitation to apologise he did acknowledge the contribution made by former commonwealth subjects to modern Britain. In noting the commitment of all the parties in the house to a multi-ethnic Britain he was also demonstrated how far the country had shifted from the hostile reception of 1948 to 1999. A journey that reached its apex when a tribute to the Windrush Generation was a key part of the London Olympics 2012 opening ceremony.
How can the artefacts support your teaching and students’ learning
Understanding the long historical relationship between Britain and her former colonies in the Caribbean and in particular how that relationship led to the movement of British subjects from the Caribbean to Britain in the 1940s, 50s and 60s.
Linking the artefacts to the present day
- The Windrush Scandal- how migrants from the Caribbean helped build shaped British society.
- Help frame contemporary debates about statues and other monuments to slave owners in their historical context
- Explore ideas around restorative justice highlighted by high profile campaign such as Black Lives Matter