“WE NEED to face up to our past” said Slough’s MP who has thrown his support behind the Black Lives Matter movement.

Worldwide protests speaking out against racism have been held following the killing of African American George Floyd, who died in officer’s Derek Chauvin custody when his neck was knelt on – despite Mr Floyd shouting ‘I can’t breathe’.

He had been reported for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes.

Speaking to the Observer, Slough MP Tan Dhesi said there is “structural racism, unbalances and inequalities” within the UK, US, and many other parts of the world.

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He said: “I think that’s why this movement has gone global because a lot of people are exasperated and very angry that things aren’t changing, and the pace of change isn’t happening fast enough.

“With the movement here in Britain, I think for several years people have been calling out for certain individuals that have had a very negative and chequered past, to put it mildly. Individuals that have been involved in slavery and those involved in wars and crimes against humanity.

“Those individuals should not be celebrated within our country and that’s something the debate needs to be had, and I think the Black Lives Matter movement has accelerated that debate”

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The Labour politician suggested a change in the educational curriculum for future generations to learn about both the positives and negatives of Britain’s history – whether that be slavery or colonialism.

He said: “We need to face up to our past as a country – both the positives and negatives.

“Whether it’s slavery or colonialism – we look at that so we learn the lessons. It’s not about having a negative view of ourselves or an overly positive of ourselves.

“It’s about the truth and also ensuring those lessons are learnt – especially by the younger generation so that we never have anything remotely like this in the future.

“Just as, for example, we have with the Second World War and remembrance with the Holocaust and the horrors around that.”

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He added: “We need to learn about our collective history warts and all.”

He also said that he condemns vandalism and violence towards police – but acknowledges the majority of protests have been peaceful.

With worldwide protests showing no signs of stopping or slowing down despite the coronavirus pandemic – Tan Dhesi has urged those wanting to participate with the movement to be mindful of social distancing and wear gloves and masks to help protect themselves while out on the streets.