10
November
2020
|
12:54
Europe/London

Time running out to have your say on City landmarks linked to racism

People have two weeks to have their say on what should happen to statues and other landmarks in the City of London with links to slavery and historic racism.

Since it launched in September, more than 800 responses have been received to the City of London Corporation’s consultative exercise on the issue, which runs until Tuesday, 24 November 2020.

People are being asked to give their views on which landmarks – including statues, street and building names – they think are a problem, and what action they think should be taken.

The consultative exercise was launched by the City Corporation’s Tackling Racism Taskforce, set up in the summer in the wake of the Black Lives Matters protests to look at what the organisation can do to tackle racism in all its forms.

Andrien Meyers, Co-Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Tackling Racism Taskforce, said:

“Since this exercise launched, we’ve received a really wide range of views on our historic landmarks and what people think we should do with them. There’s still time for people to have their say and I’d encourage anyone who has not yet taken part to give us their views and ensure their voice is heard.”

Statues which respondents have mentioned include those at Guildhall – the City Corporation’s headquarters – depicting former Lord Mayor William Beckford and MP and philanthropist Sir John Cass, both of whom profited from the slave trade.

In September, Sir John Cass’s Foundation Primary School in the City announced it was changing its name to The Aldgate School to break the link with its controversial founder.

Caroline Addy, Co-Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Tackling Racism Taskforce, said:

“This is an issue which raises strong emotions but it’s important we listen to a broad cross section of opinion before taking an informed, measured decision on what should happen to our historic landmarks.”

The consultative exercise is seeking opinions on landmarks in the City of London and on City Corporation-owned sites outside the Square Mile. City firms, cultural institutions and political bodies across the capital and nationally are also being asked for their views.

All submissions received will be considered before a recommendation is made by the Taskforce to the City Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee for a final decision.

People can take part in the consultative exercise online by the deadline of 24 November 2020 at www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/historiclandmarksconsultation or by writing to:

Tackling Racism Taskforce

City of London Corporation

Guildhall, PO Box 270

London

EC2P 2EJ

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk