The Black Lives Matter movement has recently brought the significance and symbolism of such memorials to the fore. English Heritage recognises that commemorative monuments erected in the past may not reflect the values or perspectives of people today. We understand that those monuments associated with Britain’s colonial past are offensive to many.
We know that we need to do more to ensure that the stories and the sometimes painful and controversial actions of those commemorated by the London statues in our care are told in full. We welcome the establishment of the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm and we look forward to contributing to this important debate and review.