Review launched over statues and monuments in South Tyneside after Black Lives Matter protests

Town hall chiefs have confirmed they are carrying out a review of statues and monuments in South Tyneside.
Workers take down a statue of slave owner Robert Milligan at West India Quay, east London as Labour councils across England and Wales will begin reviewing monuments and statues in their towns and cities, after a protest saw anti-racism campaigners tear down a statue of a slave trader in Bristol. Picture by Yui Mok/PA WireWorkers take down a statue of slave owner Robert Milligan at West India Quay, east London as Labour councils across England and Wales will begin reviewing monuments and statues in their towns and cities, after a protest saw anti-racism campaigners tear down a statue of a slave trader in Bristol. Picture by Yui Mok/PA Wire
Workers take down a statue of slave owner Robert Milligan at West India Quay, east London as Labour councils across England and Wales will begin reviewing monuments and statues in their towns and cities, after a protest saw anti-racism campaigners tear down a statue of a slave trader in Bristol. Picture by Yui Mok/PA Wire

Protests inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement have seen statues of former slave traders pulled down or vandalised in British cities, with more expected to be targeted.

Now bosses in the borough have promised an assessment of public installations, following a call for all councils to do the same.

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A spokeswoman for South Tyneside Council said: “Although we are not aware of any direct links to slavery, together with our partners across the wider north east region, we are reviewing the appropriateness of local monuments and statues on public land and council property.”

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