We can't let anti-British activists divide us

As a member of the Backbench Business Committee, I was pleased to support the debate on Black History Month in the House of Commons in October, working with Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch MP who delivered an excellent closing speech. In the debate, I spoke about the tremendous contribution black Britons have made to sport. The contributions of black Britons are multiple and varied - across the arts, entertainment, culture, politics and current affairs. I chose to speak about sport as it is often a cultural leader, where sport goes society often follows. And sport touches a mass audience in a way few other activities can match. Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate black Britons whilst uniting all British people. Black history is part of British history, and vice versa. It's vital that we do not allow it to be hijacked by those who want to drive us apart. Political activists are seeking to attack British history, tradition, culture and institutions. Attempts are being made to re-write our history, to indoctrinate our children with anti-British propaganda and tear down towering figures from British history. These moves are dangerous. They will do nothing for inclusiveness. Instead, they will foster bitterness and resentment on all sides. We cannot allow anti-British activists to divide our country.