Claudia Webbe MP speaking in the Commons this week

THE issue of “systemic inequality” and the need to teach black history in schools was raised in parliament by an Islington councillor this week.

Bunhill ward councillor Claudia Webbe, who is also a Member of Parliament for Leicester East, addressed Education Secretary Gavin Williams on Tuesday about recent racist incidents that her constituents had brought to her attention.

She said: “I have been shocked and alarmed to be supporting a school in my constituency whose children have endured physical and violent instances of racism on their walk home.

“This week we have seen renewed calls for our schools to teach the true brutal history of the British Empire and the legacy of imperialism and colonialism which is rooted in racism which continues today to have generational impact.”

Ms Webbe was elected as an MP in December.

She added: “Given the ongoing systemic and structural inequalities and state-sanctioned racism, will the government reassure my constituents, including the children who are victims of racist abuse, by introducing a curriculum which educates all children and young people about the enduring history of racism?”

Mr Williamson said: “We all see respect and tolerance to be very much at the heart of everyone one of our schools and at the very heart of our country.”

He added: “The national curriculum already has the ability to make sure that people are able to teach about the British Empire through English, history or PSE and there is an amazing range of resources which would encourage all schools to look at.”