Michael Rosen is right that simply removing historic names from our monuments, roads, buildings and towns could miss an important opportunity (Should Liverpool University remove Gladstone’s name from its building?, 16 November). The attitudes of many historic figures fall short of modern standards and the actions of some are now rightly recognised as appalling crimes. But trying to erase difficult parts of history from our national consciousness or oversimplifying the memory of historic figures to single views could be counterproductive.
Research by the British Council shows that our historic buildings and wider history have an important role in shaping how people see our country today, and that millions of people around the world have a better understanding of how our history has affected their countries than people in the UK.& Developing the global relationships we need for the 21st century should begin with having a more sophisticated understanding of how our own past has impacted other nations. Michael Rosen’s suggestion of adding plaques to monuments with a commentary about their historical context would be a good start. But we need a deeper understanding of how our history intertwines with that of others if we are to develop effective global ties for the future.
John Dubber
Head of policy and external relations, British Council
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